'We love Michail': Lopetegui dedicates West Ham's victory to Antonio after the fall | first division

Julen Lopetegui dedicated a crucial victory to Michail Antonio after West Ham put aside the striker's horror car accident and saved their manager's job by beating Lobos 2-1 on an emotional night.

Antonio, who is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery on a broken leg, was in good spirits to speak to his teammates via video conference before kick-off.

It had been a difficult preparation for West Ham, who were stunned by news of the striker's accident on Saturday afternoon. Lopetegui, who has been on the verge of dismissal, understood the significance of a victory that increased the pressure on Wolves manager Gary O'Neil.

“We are happy for the fans,” said the West Ham manager. “Above all, we dedicate the victory to Michail and his family. It has been very hard. We love Michael very much. He is a special person. He's strong and I'm sure he'll get through it and come back. The best we can do today is achieve victory. “We are very happy with the three points.”

West Ham honored their team-mate with special training shirts and Jarrod Bowen, scorer of the winning goal, presented a shirt with Antonio's name on the back after scoring. The pre-match talk with Antonio also served as inspiration.

“We had a little contact with him,” Lopetegui said. “I was happy to do this. He was not at his best but despite that he kept his humor. It was a special moment for us before the game. We have many reasons to win games but this is special.

“He had a big accident but he has the possibility of returning. He is alive and we are happy because the photos were terrible. We have to enjoy our professional life. It can change in a moment. We have to focus on our daily work. Sometimes it's difficult. “He is a good example for my young players.”

O'Neil, whose team remains in the bottom three, vowed to keep fighting. But there is a strong possibility that the Wolves will release the 41-year-old on Tuesday. “I understand the noise and the scrutiny,” O'Neil said. “Last season we were predicted to be relegated and we achieved some incredible things. The players are giving everything. They are still fighting for me. I keep fighting for the fans. “I'm disappointed.”