OPINION
Marko Arnautovic, a name that used to get the West Ham United fans on their seats – but not anymore, it would seem.
The Austrian international has suffered a rapid decline in form ever since he was linked with a move to China in the January transfer window, and to be honest, his name probably draws more sighs of frustration than that of excitement.
Javier Hernandez has been out performing him on every level recently, and he is no doubt the forward that Manuel Pellegrini should make his first choice.
That is why former striker Bobby Zamora has hit the nail on the head in his verdict of the 29-year-old. He said that the attacker has let his form suffer a dip after the China links, adding that ex-frontman Carlos Tevez would not have acted in the same way if he really wanted a switch.
“I wouldn’t put Arnautovic and Tevez in the same category. Whatever was going on with Carlos – whatever he was being told and whatever was in the papers – he just got on with his job,” he told 888 Sport.
“I feel that Arnautovic let his performances slip after what went on in January. That wouldn’t have happened with Carlos. That would have pushed him on to perform better to warrant a move.”
If Arnautovic really wanted a move away, then he would have raised his game like Tevez did – but he did not.
Many West Ham fans will surely agree with Zamora here, as they have been the ones that have witnessed Arnautovic’s recent fall from grace. He is not the same striker as he used to be, and the fact that his form has suffered after January is not a coincidence. Put it this way, he is not in the supporters’ good books.
It remains to be seen whether he will remain at the London Stadium beyond the summer, as clubs will no doubt come in with some offers for his services.
Either way, Zamora has got it spot on in his verdict of the Irons star here. He has really let his form slip, and if he really wanted to go, his performances would be a lot better than they are now.
