OPINION
If there was one player who proved a point in West Ham United’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday it was striker Javier Hernandez.
There were improved displays from the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Robert Snodgrass, but it was the Mexico international who really put his stamp on the game with a terrific brace.
Hernandez opened the scoring with a first half strike before adding a second after the break to lead the Hammers to victory. Midfielder Felipe Anderson added a third late on.
The 30-year-old has come in for a bit of criticism from the West Ham faithful this season as he’s struggled to make an impact for the first team and has made a few concerning noises about leaving the club, but he showed why he’s such a big asset to Manuel Pellegrini’s team with a superb showing on Saturday.
His first goal was typical Hernandez as he was left all alone in the Hammers box, where he duly converted Robert Snodgrass’ sumptuous cross. He buried a second later on to put the game to bed and secure all three points for Pellegrini’s side.
The Mexican is different to any other West Ham player. He doesn’t contribute a lot in terms of build up but that’s not his role and that’s not what his manager wants him to do.
Instead he focuses on getting himself in good positions in the penalty area in order to capitalise on any half chances that come his way. He is a poacher extraordinaire and that’s something that remains incredibly valuable in modern day football.
Marko Arnautovic’s rise as a centre forward has perhaps had some Hammers fans thinking that Hernandez is now disposable, but he reminded them of his quality at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have shown themselves this season to be one of the most well organised teams in the Premier League under Rafael Benitez, but even they were undone by the former Manchester United man’s clever movement.
It’s clear that the veteran frontman still has a part to play at the London Stadium. Goals are the most precious of commodities in football and there are few better at providing them than Hernandez.
It is imperative that Pellegrini massages the Mexican’s ego and convinces him that West Ham is where he needs to be. He can still be a big contributor to the club and he demonstrated that with a sensational performance on Saturday.
