Marko Arnautovic has signed for West Ham in a club record deal. But he is not without his critics.
Whilst he was regarded as Stoke’s best player, Arnautovic hasn’t set the Premier League alight. Yes he has come alive from time to time, but not for an entire season. Or even half. But I don’t think that will be an issue at West Ham.
This comes down to two things. I will probably get some abuse from Stoke fans, but these are my opinions. And they seem to be widely shared across social media and by pundits as well. It comes down to quality of players in the side, and ready to come in as well.
The Starting XI
When comparing the attacking part of Stoke to the side the Hammers will put out this season, there really isn’t much of a battle. The other forward three being made up of Lanzini, Antonio and Hernandez is a lot better than what Stoke could put on the pitch last season. As such, he isn’t going to be under examination so much.
When you’re playing with three other players who are a top goal threat then it’s easier for you. Defenders will be paying you less attention, you tend to have more passes available and the game seems easier. This is why some players who have seemed passable in a good team have struggled elsewhere. Having good players around you can really aid your game.
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Whilst West Ham and Stoke have been fairly comparable over the past few years, that seem to be changing. The Hammers look to be making big strides in their recruitment at the moment, with Stoke stagnating.
The Bench
Another thing that can take the sting out of an inconsistent player is good rotation options. Provided we don’t sell players there are a lot of wingers available in the squad. Whilst they may not be as good as Arnautovic, they offer something different and can stop the side slumping when the Austrian isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Andre Ayew was our record signing last season, and is still a Premier League goalscorer. He showed that he could get goals and link well last season. Given our current squad, he doesn’t make the starting XI. That strength off the bench in East London is incredibly good. In terms of other wingers Snodgrass and Feghouli are also there. Whilst not incredible, they’re not players who are unable to cope in the Premier League.
Next: Transfer Window heating up at West Ham
I’m not saying Arnautovic will set the league alight. But he is a decent attacking player and I think we will manage his inconsistency better than Stoke did. Bring on the new season.