The West Ham United attacker is erratic but potentially a match-winner.
When West Ham United winger Marko Arnaoutovic scored what proved to be the winner against Chelsea last weekend, it showed what a talent he can be if he puts his mind to it and, even if he continues to perform erratically this season, Hammers boss David Moyes will not be complaining if he delivers against the top sides.
Such is the standard of the Premier League right now that there are more top clubs than ever – as the Champions League last-16 proves, with five teams from England still involved – and if Arnautovic saves his best work for the headline games, West Ham can still hope to pick up more points against sides they would otherwise lose to.
The 28-year-old waited until a massive game to finally get on the score sheet for West Ham, and it will be interesting to see if Moyes perseveres with the Austrian international as a centre forward over the festive period.
West Ham have plenty of players who can make the difference but few with the Zlatan-esque nature of Arnautovic, who is either brilliant or anything but.
Moyes will surround himself with players he can rely on week in, week out, but that leaves room for one enigma; a player who can score against the best defences in the country, albeit sporadically.
If Arnautovic’s goals ultimately make the difference in games that could prove Moyes can still compete with the best in England, the Scot will not be complaining.
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