West Ham have lost two consecutive games while scoring zero goals over that stretch of time. With a few injuries compacting with poor form West Ham need to get their best finisher in the line up to start securing some goals.
It only happened a few times last season, but when Marko Arnautovic and Chicharito were playing together as a striker duo it was simply magic. I suppose we can credit David Moyes for that partnership seeing as how he moved Arnautovic to the centre-forward role, but it was clear getting Chicharito into the game was not a priority for the old former Manchester United nemesis of Little Pea.
With a Lanzini injury, Moyes was forced to play Chicharito and Arnautovic up top in a 5-3-2 formation. The partnership started on January 20th of 2018, in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Chicharito earned his start as he scored West Ham’s only goal as a sub the match prior in a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. The first match in the partnership saw Chicharito assist a Mark Noble goal by creating a penalty, and just like that West Ham were back in the points with consecutive draws.
The partnership would continue for only two more matches, a 3-1 loss to Brighton and a 2-0 win over Watford. Chicharito scored in both. Chicharito would start only one more match that season, a 4-1 loss to Swansea, despite him scoring the late leveler against Chelsea just a few matches later. It was evident Moyes didn’t want to use him unless he had to.
With Jack Wilshere, Manuel Lanzini, and now Andriy Yarmolenko out, it could be the perfect opportunity to reunite the ever in form Marko Arnautovic with his striker buddy Javier Hernandez. They played together late in the second half against Tottenham, and Chicharito did net his only chance but it was passed by an offside Arnautovic.
This season Chicharito has only scored one goal and it came against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup match. He managed another goal in a private match against QPR during the international break as well. He obviously knows how to score and give the opportunity in the right formation, he could get West Ham back in the goals.
For Arnautovic, the central support would probably be welcomed. He often has to create by himself and carry the ball up the pitch solo while he waits for wingers or midfielders to catch up. With Chicharito playing alongside him, Arnautovic would have a central batterymate and someone to go on runs for his exceptional passing.
To me, there is no downside in Pellegrini evaluating his team and putting together a formation that puts players in their best positions and gets someone who can score goals on the pitch when his team needs him the most. Get your piggy-back ready, Arnautovic, it’s time to reignite the striker Bromance with Chicharito!