RA MEDIA

When the Roman came to town! Published 03/05/18 on Irons United

There was a time in history when the passage to enlightenment was along an arduous journey upon winding tracks. It was never as bright and never quite as charming as in previous years…but then along came a Roman that would change the way in which we played…or rather attempted to play. The roads became straighter, the wine was more palatable and the colosseum was louder and more entertaining. However just like other gladiators…he had his time, he earned his wooden sward to claim his freedom and retired back to home lands.

The question now on every fan’s lips, “Who is the new Paolo Di Canio? Many comparisons are already being made between the club legend and Marko Arnautovic who recently picked up the Hammer Of The Year award as voted for by the fans. It was almost a foregone conclusion that he would win the vote as he has been the only player, since Moyes has arrived, to have shown any determined effort to attack opposition defences on a weekly basis and netting ten goals along the way.

Has he achieved the same level and status as that of Di Canio? Absolutely not! However, he is certainly on his way to being so and his wayward demeanour would lend itself to being lodged within club folklore…if only he would be willing to stay at the club for much longer.

Of course the modern player would as likely pledge undying allegiance to the flag on a Tuesday but by Thursday, they would be hankering for a move to better places, sunnier climes and bigger wage packets…or rather wage suitcases. That is not to say that Arnautovic is that kind of player and has not given any indication that he might indeed be so inclined, however given the abject performances this season from the rest of the team…one has to wonder if another club came calling, would he be tempted to leave?

It has been noticeable that he is becoming more frustrated with the poor service he is receiving and the lack of support for his unquestionable industry in every game, However, once again too much onus is being placed upon his shoulders for him to produce miracles in each and every outing, leading to a small percentage of fans even questioning his suitability to remain in the starting line up or whether indeed he should remain at the club? Surely they cannot be correct…can they?

Moyes has chosen the Austrian to play the leading role but that was never his position to exploit and there is a greater call for him to resume left…or right wing duties that would enable either Carroll or Hernandez…or both to act as the main striking force. However Moyes would appear to remain steadfast in his resolve to play the lone striker…and Arnautovic is his man…but surely even he would agree that without support, then regardless of industry, the likelihood of creating goal scoring opportunities is considerably less without ambition from the midfield!

There are but another three games to get some kind of positive closure to the season and Arnautovic will be called upon to deliver the goods…but his good ship may yet run aground and there will be nobody else who can step in with the same gusto and be as successful in chasing down half chances or creating opportunities as with his bullish play.

Come the end of the season there will be a mass exodus from the ranks. Many will be welcomed by the fans and depending on whether Moyes is to remain in post will determine whether the likes of Hernandez, Lanzini or Arnautovic might be tempted away for they certainly are the most likely to attract attention from other clubs.

The fans have been crying out for another Romanesque presence at the club…and they might just have found that in the oddball Austrian who has endeared himself to the fans and weekly…his standing improves as he makes repeated personal gestures to salute the crowds and share in their displeasures! Will he be able to resist the call, can he stay loyal to the club…even if relegated? It would be a tall order for a modern player to do so and the club would likely have a fire sale to fund a Championship battle…but everyone remembers when the Roman came to town…and they’re all hoping the Electus Romanorum might emulate a past legend and stay for a while longer yet!