Garth Crooks has heaped praise on West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic, claiming that he was “electric” against Southampton.
The Austrian scored twice in a pulsating 3-0 win, and Crooks was eager to put him in his team of the week.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “We’ve seen Marko Arnautovic in this mood before. The Austria international was electric against Southampton.
“The problem with Arnautovic is his power surges are too infrequent. He’s moody, temperamental and demanding.
“But West Ham fans love those characteristics in a player. Paolo di Canio and Carlos Tevez had special abilities but were high maintenance – and so too is Arnautovic.
“The problem with Arnautovic is he needs to be playing in a team that can afford such luxuries. West Ham can’t afford power cuts.”
OPINION
This was the Arnautovic that West Ham fans have been crying out for all season. The Austrian was in irrepressible form against the Saints, and wasted little time in putting them to the sword in a thrilling performance. You have to ask yourself though, why now? The forward has had plenty of opportunities to turn it on since he signed his new contract earlier this year following his Chinese transfer debacle, so why would he start playing now with the end of the season approaching? The cynic in you would argue that this was Arnautovic putting himself in the shop window, reminding everybody of just what he can do when he is happy and settled and willing to try. Perhaps it was just a good day at the office. Perhaps he woke up in the right frame of mind or has cast of the shackles of his midseason slump at long last. But Hammers fans will be worried that this was, in fact, a come and get me plea to the watching world.
