It was only a matter of weeks ago that Marko Arnautovic was seemingly adored by all West Ham fans and heralded as one of the top strikers in the Premier League.
But a few weeks can be a very long time in football, especially when separated by a transfer window.
Following the Austria international's unseemly transfer saga in January, in which he reportedly attempted to force through a big money move to China, the former Stoke star was left out of the Hammers' squad for two games whilst his future was being resolved.
Despite eventually signing a new contract and releasing a public message to the West Ham fans, his performance in the defeat to Wolves left a lot to be desired.
After sitting out the recent Liverpool game through injury, Hammers fans, podcasters and social media pundits have been engaged in a debate regarding Arnautovic, ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace this weekend.
So basically on the show Dave said Arnautovic should come straight back in for Hernandez and I said he shouldn’t because we played well without him and he should be on bench. Don’t change a team that’s played well and sends wrong message out! What do you think.... https://t.co/JnWrV7Dzvy
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) February 7, 2019
Judging by the response of several, it's fairly safe to say that some of the West Ham faithful wouldn't be best pleased in the Austrian was named in the starting lineup this weekend.
Arnie was terrible at Wolves jogged around huffing and throwing his arms about, needs to start on the bench and earn his way back. If it ain't broke don't fix it
— George Willis (@George_Willis01) February 7, 2019
Said the exact same thing on our show last night, too. Should be an unchanged team, let Arnie earn his place back.
— James Jones (@ByJamesJones) February 7, 2019
I agreed with every word Dave said when he was spitting feathers “during” the Arnautovic debacle. However he was crap against Wolves and we played really well against the scousers, so yeah bench him. He’s got his perf bonuses or whatever so we owe him nothing else.
— wigwam (@wigwam35) February 7, 2019
Keep the same starting 11. Arnie on the bench. Has to wait his chance.
— ⚒ G WHU ⚒ (@COYIRONS) February 7, 2019
Agree totally let Arnie earn his place back. Give Hernandez a good run let’s see what he can do
— DK (@w_h_t_i_d) February 7, 2019
100%agreestart him on the bench.If he wants the perks of his new contract then his gotta earn them⚒
— stuart kenny (@stuartkenny6) February 7, 2019
Leave Arnie out. Our decline started with his nonsense. The minute he’s not around we pick up. I doubt that is a coincidence. That coupled with the fact that Hernandez makes it an easy decision for me...and probably Pellegrini.
— Steve ⚒壘 (@SrHack123) February 7, 2019
100 percent agree arnie should be on the bench and think himself lucky he is even on that
— ben (@comeonyouironss) February 7, 2019
Arni should stay on the bench and come on as and when needed until he shows the hunger and passion that adhered us to him in the first place
— Kevin Brant (@KevinBrant13) February 7, 2019
100% I wish he'd gone. No player is bigger than a club. Bench him
— graham (@landiwellbeing) February 7, 2019
Source : 90min