West Ham find spark as Arnautovic shines
MARKO ARNAUTOVIC chose yesterday to reveal his new silver hair-do. His performance at the Olympic Stadium, however, was worthy of gold.
The Austrian fully deserved his standing ovation when he was substituted during the closing stages.
But, to be honest, West Ham supporters would have cheered any shred of good news after a truly tumultuous fortnight.
Fit again after a hamstring injury, Arnautovic inspired David Moyes’ men to victory over Watford to provide West Ham’s survival hopes with a huge shot in the arm.
Finally there was something to smile about.
Already entrenched in controversy following head of recruitment Tony Henry’s sacking and the controversial circumstances behind the decision, the Hammers form on the pitch has provided further cause for concern.
A sequence of one win in five games -– culminating in last weekend’s defeat at fellow relegation candidates Brighton — has taken the shine off a recovery under Moyes.
But this win over Watford moves the Hammers to 30 points. Ten more and they will be playing Premier League football next year.
Moyes deal expires at the end of the season, and, regardless of whether the Hammers board offer him a contract extension, the Scot is close to completing the job he was employed to do.
And in doing so, Moyes has gone someway towards rebuilding his battered reputation. But the former Manchester United manager was in no mood for self congratulation yesterday, instead reserving his praise for Arnautovic.
‘He is doing well but I’m not letting him off the hook, he has got to keep at it,’ said Moyes. ‘He has only trained for three days after his injury but you can see the impact he has for us. I didn’t feel it was a risk playing him as he was giving me all the right vibes.
‘People are saying we are quite close to bottom but we are close to ninth, 10th and 11th as well.’
Watford and Javier Gracia, however, returned to the surface with an almighty thud following Monday’s euphoric win over champions Chelsea.
‘Our last match showed us the way we can get points, but today we didn’t do enough,’ admitted Gracia.
West Ham took a 38th-minute lead when Javier Hernandez nodded home after an entertaining start from both sides. The former Manchester United striker owes much to Michail Antonio, who tormented Daryl Janmaat before providing a dangerous cross into the box for Hernandez to attack.
He was also helped by his marker Marvin Zeegelaar slipping at the vital moment to allow him a free header.
The Hornets piled the pressure on in the second half, Gerard Deulofeu going close with a vicious free-kick.
But Gracia’s side conceded a second 12 minutes from time as Arnautovic grabbed the goal that his display deserved.
After a short corner routine between Aaron Cresswell and Antonio fell flat, Jose Holebas sought to avert further danger by thumping a clearance into Row Z.
Unfortunately for the Greek defender, his attempted clearance ricocheted off the unwitting Cresswell and into Arnautovic’s path who made no mistake from four yards.