Saturday afternoon is going to tell us a lot and in my book has become a very significant day in the life of Marko Arnautovic and West Ham United.
For although there would be reasons for omitting any of the regular first teamers from a Cup match against a team currently rock bottom in League One, the script is different in Arnautovic’s case.
With the Chinese transfer speculation at it’s peak this time last week, it was easy to understand why he was left out of the match against Bournemouth.
Whether one approves or not, the explanation that his mind wasn’t in the right place is understandable and the decision to leave him out of the squad as a result was probably right.
However, There can be NO EXCUSES this weekend!
We have all learned the Chinese deal has collapsed and whilst not taking that as 100 per cent, things have quietened down to the point where there can surely be no reason for his exclusion against AFC Wimbledon.
His position is no different to that of any other player who may or may not be involved in a transfer and the only professional thing to do in such circumstances is to play if selected.
Do the right thing Arnie – anything other will be sending out entirely the wrong signals.
Keep the miserable one on the bench, and only let him on if we’re in dire straits; no matter what he says from now on, him and his pathetic brother deserve no more from us
He will probably be on the bench in case of emergencies, Silva will probably start alongside Hernandez, Perez or Antonio, could be a god game for Perez to get some confidence.
We shouldn’t be saying any of this ,didn’t his brothert\agent say he is very professional and will give 100% until he leaves …yeah right….
There’s every chance that he might be rested for this game in anticipation of the Wolves game. No doubt everybody will read whatever they want into Saturday’s team selection though.
But why would He even play when this is a game to try out our fringe players .We are going to win this pretty easily you would think .Theres no point risking more injuries when We have Wolves,Man City and Liverpool approaching.Xande needs to start in this game.Give Arnie another week to think about what He has just done.
He has already sent out the entirely wrong signals . If he is selected the very least he must do is act professionally and fully commit to the game . As you rightly say , Hugh ; No Excuses .