West Ham secured an unlikely 3-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
Martin Keown has claimed in his Daily Mail column that he believes former West Ham United manager David Moyes deserves plenty of praise for Marko Arnautovic’s eye-catching form this season.
The 29-year-old joined West Ham last summer for what was a club-record figure from Stoke City, which has since been eclipsed by Issa Diop and then Felipe Anderson.
Signed by Slaven Bilic, Arnautovic failed to get going under the Croatian and it was only until his sacking and David Moyes’ appointment that it begun to click. Failing to score or assist under Bilic, Arnautovic managed 11 goals and eight assists with Moyes.
He has continued his mesmerising form this term, with four goals in six Premier League outings including one against Manchester United on Saturday and Keown believes Moyes – not Bilic or Manuel Pellegrini – deserves praise.
“Arnautovic is still selfish when he needs to be. He will beat a player with pace and trickery. He will finish in those vital moments. But his all-round game is much more complete,” Keown said.
“He has always been a strong, physical forward but now he is using his power and energy in the right way. David Moyes deserves credit for demanding more from him last season. Manuel Pellegrini is now reaping the rewards.”
Pellegrini secured his best result as Hammers boss with a 3-1 win at the London Stadium, as Anderson opened the scoring with his first for the club before Andriy Yarmolenko’s effort looped in off of defender Victor Lindelof.
United got one back through Marcus Rashford, but West Ham earned all three points as Mark Noble played through Arnautovic who slotted his fourth goal of the season past David De Gea with ease.
The Hammers are net in action against Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday afternoon, as they make the long journey to the south coast to face Chris Hughton’s men.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
