If only one reason was needed to have waved Slaven Bilic and David Moyes goodbye we saw it in Russia this afternoon when Chicharito showed himself to be what most fans know him to be – a world class front man.
The West Ham striker was sensational as he played a vital part in the Mexicans historic victory over a lack lustre Germany.
His turn and touch for the winner as his team dominated the first half and clung on brilliantly in the second was all you could want of a front man.
And this was the man who was virtually ignored for much of last season in a Hammers side which had most of us hanging our heads in shame and despair.
Despite appearing as a sub more often than not, he managed eight goals – memorably against Chelsea – whilst playing for a manager who got rid of him from Manchester United.
Manuel Pellegrini – on nearly £10 million a year – must start earning his mega dough immediately by ensuring that Chicharito is not only persuaded to stay but used in a typically attacking formation which the manager loves.
Playing him alongside Arnie looks a given and after today’s display it is probably his first job and as important as any he will be making this summer.
Chicharito cannot be allowed to walk away!
His assists, his amazingly clever runs, ability to get on the end of chances and mega menace in the box makes him the perfect Hammers striker.
COYI
I agree with Dunlopilo. He moved well for the goal but he’s no Lanzini. He bottled it on a least two occasions when he could have shot and was easily barged off the ball. I understand why he’s not considered a main manl. He reminds me of Mauro Zárate.
Many good points above – I agree with Austrick – our greatest need last season was for a strong tackling defensive midfielder – and it seems taht we are not being linked with any (unless Declan Rice has been earmarked for that role)
We can’t afford to start with Arnie & Chicharito upfront until we sort out the defense & midfield
South American???
I have always liked Chicharito as a player he does wonders off the bench but in general when he starts he is not the same player this goes back eve to his Old Trafford days.If he wants to stay great but if he puts in a couple of good shifts in the WC and we get a decent offer I would let him go if we got20million+ for him and 140k a week off the wage bill surely MP could find a better fitting replacement with the cash
I’m inclined to agree with you. £20 million+ would be good business as long as we line up a decent replacement. On the other hand, we bought him for £16 million, without any real opposition so I can’t see where the buyers are going to come from.
Fergie is the best manager in English football history. Chicharito was used as an impact sub by Fergie just as we have been using him. He hasn’t got enough about him to suit the English game. Great goalscorer and threat but a luxury player.
I did not find him sensational today. He was all right, giving an assist to chucky Lozano, but then messing up a couple of great occasions to crucify the Germans. Lozano, Herrera, Layun, Memo Ochoa or Guardado were much better than Hernandez today. But I get your point. He needs to be given confidence to be of use. Let’s see how M.P. does that. Unless Chicharito has already decided he wants to leave.
On another note, the one that was truly awful from the moment he came on was the other striker (Raul Jimenez), who was said to interest West Ham. Thank god we did not get that one…