Michail Antonio has spoken of his frustration of the season so far but that the aim is still very much to achieve European football again.

The Hammers number 9, who is at this stage expected to be in the squad to face Arsenal on Boxing Day, has stated that the players and management have been working hard to rediscover the form which West Ham fans have come accustomed to seeing over the last 2 seasons.

There is no denying that the summer overhaul which saw the club bring in 9 new arrivals, whilst spending circa £180m, has meant an element of transition is at play in this campaign so far, but David Moyes’ side need to click and fast to make up for the many points lost already.

The trip to face the Gunners in just 4 days time, who are currently the Premier League leaders, will provide a stern test for West Ham, although also an opportunity to produce a big result and lift the mood dramatically in East London.

“Every team that has brought in lots of players has tended to struggle in the beginning,” Antonio told the Evening Standard. “But once things started to gel and the chemistry starts to build, things starting working out.

“We’ve been working on why things have been breaking down going forward, because we’ve not been conceding much, but we’ve also not been scoring as much as in the past.”

Antonio also confessed that he is not happy with the situation at present in that he is no longer considered the first choice striker, with David Moyes opting more often than not to play summer signing Gianluca Scamacca to lead the line.

Despite this though Antonio is ready to fight for his place and will no doubt be eager to impress if selected upon on Boxing Day, with Scamacca looking a major doubt after sustaining an ankle injury in the final friendly against Fulham prior to the Premier League re-start.

“I’m someone who wants to play games. I’m never going to settle for coming off the bench and being involved that way.

“That’s something that’s driven me to where I am now. I’m not really about the rotation type of thing — if I’m fit, I want to play. It’s the gaffer’s decision on what he wants to do, but I’m always going to let him know that I want to play.

“Through my whole career, there’s always been competition, someone that wants to take your shirt. Right now, Scamacca’s got the shirt. It’s my turn to try to improve and work on what I need to work on to get my shirt back.”