West Ham defender Michail Antonio praises London Stadium atmosphere - 'We're trying to turn it into a fortress'

Sam Long23 August 2016

Michail Antonio has defended the atmosphere generated by West Ham's fans at the London Stadium.

The Hammers said farewell to the Boleyn Ground in May and moved into their new home at the start of this season, which has boosted the club's capacity to just under 60,000.

The extra fans and the income they will generate are expected to help West Ham compete with England's elite clubs.

But concerns have been raised in regards to the atmosphere at the east Londoners' new base after the club's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the weekend.

However, Antonio scored the winner as Slaven Bilic's side edged out the Cherries and is adamant the noise produced at the London Stadium is striking.

"There were so many gaps at the Boleyn Ground. But here the archways come over the stands and brings it onto the pitch," he told Bleacher Report.

"Especially when I scored - the roar was outrageous.

"It's a new ground, it's a new feel - we're trying to turn it into a fortress.

"Every game we've played competitively here we've won so it looks like we can do it," he added.

Hammers supporters will have another chance to cheer their team on home turf on Thursday when Bilic's side face Astra Giurgiu in a Europa League qualifier.

Securing a place in the group stages is key to West Ham's long-term project but Antonio is adamant he is staying calm as West Ham's bold new era gets underway.

"I'm quite laid back so I don't really let things affect me. The majority of the time I don' get nervous," said the winger.

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