OPINION
Danny Murphy ensured former West Ham manager David Moyes was credited for the current exploits of attacker Marko Arnautovic and was right to do so.
The BBC pundit, regularly seen on Match of the Day, insisted that the Scottish manager have some praise as he revealed how it was Moyes that first truly unleashed the forward’s potential at the Hammers by playing him in a central role.
“I think West Ham have found an absolute gem, Moyes deserves credit for putting Arnautovic down the middle, giving him the freedom to use his energy in attacking areas and he has taken to that role like a duck to water,” said Murphy on talkSPORT (Monday October 1, 12:05).
Murphy is spot-on to make sure that Moyes’ use of Arnautovic was credited, as he transformed the player for the better as the attacker previously struggled under Slaven Billic after joining the Hammers.
The Scottish manager played the 29-year-old in a central position instead of sticking him out of the winger and since then Arnautovic has consistently been his side’s best player.
While the forward did deliver the goods under Moyes to help save the Hammers from relegation, it’s his current exploits that are turning heads.
The 29-year-old has scored four goals in first six leagues and looks like he is in the form of his life due to being played in the correct position and having Felipe Anderson as well as Andryi Yarmolenko to work with.
Murphy is also right to describe Arnautovic as a gem as a player of his talents is rare to come by and the Hammers must be grateful to have him.
However due to the attacker flourishing under Manuel Pellegrini then the Hammers’ latest boss may mistakenly get too much credit for the forward’s performances and it’s nice to hear Murphy speak up for Moyes.
The former Manchester United boss may not have played the most exciting football at the London Stadium but he truly unleashed Arnautovic in a way not thought possible by unshackling him by switching his position.
