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Marko Arnautovic’s West Ham return halted by Chicharito

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on February 9, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on February 9, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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With bated breath, West Ham supporters await Marko Arnautovic’s return to the starting XI after his strop and push to leave for China. With a new, incentive-heavy deal ready to reward him for goals, however, Chicharito has been benching the Austrian, and he should continue to.

So much for a remotivated and refocused Marko Arnautovic returning to West Ham’s starting XI. The wantaway Austrian received his new, incentive-based contract after his hissy fit and begrudgingly West Ham supporters have been anticipating his return to score for West Ham and facilitate a move away to China, ushering a new striker.

Record scratch.

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Chicharito came into the Wolves loss to play 13 minutes after Arnautovic limped off with a foot injury. Since then Chicharito has started consecutive matches, including the away visit to Crystal Palace with Arnautovic fully fit and on the bench.

In his back-to-back starts, Chicharito hasn’t scored, but has had plenty of chances and is bringing an intensity to the solo-striker role I personally didn’t believe he could. In both matches (Liverpool and Palace) the Hammers looked better in the first half, Chicharito included, but he has actually been an effective spearhead to a counterattacking West Ham team.

Ahead of West Ham’s warm weather training in Spain, Chicharito has revealed a new mentality for himself as apart of the starting XI for the Hammers:

"“I’m enjoying playing and I just want to play as well as I can and help the team. Sometimes I will score goals, sometimes assists, and sometimes I need to hold the ball, get fouls and be there to give a clear option for passes – to be a team player like all of us here.”"

It’s exciting to hear, and his performances are inspiring in the past two weeks. It’s no secret that Chicharito is looking to move away from West Ham in the summer and that’s fine, just give your all while you’re here – and recently he has. Go on and scout out some houses and enjoy the warmer weather in Spain, Chicharito, but earn that move, don’t try to force it like your teammate.

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Hand up, I have not been complimentary of Chicharito this season. I sound hypocritical praising him now but I am impressed with his efforts as a starter. West Ham are eyeing European football and cannot afford to play a weakened team to punish Arnautovic for his antics, but they aren’t doing that with Chicharito. The Mexican is refreshed and motivated, much like how we all anticipated Arnautovic to be.

I’m all in on Chicharito starting for the Fulham match. Reward his performances, don’t factor in Arnautovic at all.