Pundit gives Arnie’s attitude the thumbs-up

Former striker turned  pundit Chris Sutton reckons Marko Arnautovic had every reason to rile up the Stoke fans on Saturday afternoon.

Discussing the issues surrounding the club’s record signing, the former Chelsea, Blackburn, Norwich and Celtic striker said: “Had I been subjected to the abuse Marko Arnautovic received when going back I would have celebrated with equal vigour.

“Good on him for giving the Hammers sign — it told me he has plenty of fire his his belly.

He looks a totally different player since David Moyes arrived. He is looking lean, mean and hungry. Plenty of incoming managers say they will improve the players’ fitness.

This is the first time I have noticed a real difference. West Ham are running four miles further per match than they were under Slaven Bilic.

Arnautovic has clearly responded and is becoming West Ham’s first-choice No 9. He has the physicality and ability to thrive as the lone striker.

Andy Carroll is not as mobile and Javier Hernandez’s hold-up play is not as good.”

With more composed finishing, Arnautovic could have scored a bagful on Saturday. It only bodes well for West Ham… and Stoke must realise what they have lost.”