West Ham's Marko Arnautovic must focus, says Manuel Pellegrini

The Hammers beat Southampton 3-0 with Arnautovic scoring twice

Sunday 5 May 2019 09:04, UK

Manuel Pellegrini says Marko Arnautovic is a difference maker but must focus to make the most of his talents at West Ham.

The Austrian striker netted twice to inspire the Hammers to a 3-0 win over Southampton at the London Stadium, but they were his first goals for the club since January.

That represented an 11-game drought and came on the back of Arnautovic attempting to orchestrate a move to China, an episode which went down badly with the West Ham fans who had booed him during some of his indifferent displays.

With the move falling through, Pellegrini now believes Arnautovic can thrive if he keeps his attention fixed on West Ham.

"With this team, with Marko, a complete season that is quiet, calm and just playing football, he is a player who makes a difference," said Pellegrini.

"I'm sure this season will be a good lesson for him, he learned some things. I am absolutely convinced next season we will see a great Marko.

"I talked with the players before the game and told them that after an important victory against Tottenham the best way to finish was winning in front of our own fans.

"It's important to enjoy these moments."

Southampton were already safe going into the game and boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said achieving safety had taken its toll.

"It's not a coincidence that after some intense weeks and months, using that energy to stay in the league, and then you have a game today where you make a big mistake and go 1-0 down, that the physical energy is not so high," he said.

"That's not a surprise to me. The power and conviction was not there. We have invested a lot. You could feel we were not that compact and a few steps too late.

"After the second goal the game was gone. That was the knockout. I know if you give Arnautovic space he is very clinical. The first goal is perfect for him, we made it too easy for him."