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West Ham EXCLUSIVE: Dean Ashton picks out ONE star who has 'hindered' Hammers season
WEST HAM striker Marko Arnautovic is partly to blame for what has been an “indifferent season” at the London Stadium.
That is the opinion of former West Ham striker Dean Ashton.
The Hammers sit 11th in the Premier League with six games to go, off the pace of a potential Europa League spot but comfortably safe from the drop zone.
After losing the first four games under new manager Manuel Pellegrini, the side full of new faces began to gel at the end of the year.
The East London side have the joint-best home record outside the top six, finally making the London Stadium feel like a home.
I think the Arnautovic situation really did hinder them. It’s strange how he hasn’t really been seen since.
Arnautovic was key to the side’s form at the back end of 2019 but then caused uproar for a public outcry that he wanted to leave and join the Chinese Super League.
The Austrian eventually signed a contract extension although the club did not state how much longer his deal, which was due to expire in 2023, will run for.
Arnautovic has not scored for the club since his transfer saga, though, and West Ham have failed to string two straight wins together since January, with their season fizzling out for an uneventful climax.
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, former Hammers frontman Ashton reflected on the campaign.
“It’s been an indifferent season,” said the Quest EFL expert.
“At times you think they’re going to go on a good run and then they lose to a team you expect them to do better against.
“One very pleasing sign is the home form’s been a lot better, so certain things must be improving at the stadium.
“I think the Arnautovic situation really did hinder them. It’s strange how he hasn’t really been seen since.
“And, actually, he’d been their best player so that probably didn’t help the squad.
“But there’s great stories elsewhere with Felipe Anderson and Declan Rice. So there are positives for West Ham.”
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