WHEN David Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic is West Ham United manager earlier this month, one player he singled out for criticism was Marko Arnautovic.

The Austrian joined the Hammers in a club record £25million move from Premier League rivals Stoke City in the summer.

And, having forged a reputation for being one of the top flight’s most exciting wingers, there was optimism that Arnautovic would create goals and get on the scoresheet himself.

However, Arnautovic is still searching for his first Premier League assist or goal in claret and blue.

He got his West Ham career off to a poor start with a foolish sending off against Southampton, where he needlessly elbowed defender Jack Stephens.

Arnautovic showed glimpses of what he is capable of in the comfortable Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers, but he has failed to deliver.

His work-rate has been heavily criticised and the winger has also been accused of being lazy when he has not got the ball.

When he was announced as Bilic’s successor - after the Croatian was sacked - Moyes made it clear that the Hammers’ attacking players would not get into the team unless they also defended.

Moyes also admitted that he had a one-to-one meeting with the Austrian international to discuss his worries.

In the two matches since Moyes took charge - a defeat to Watford and the 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Friday - Arnautovic’s work-rate has improved significantly.

He has been chasing back when the Hammers have lost possession and he showed more threat in the draw with the Foxes - where Cheikhou Kouyate’s deflected effort earned West Ham a well-deserved point.

Now Arnautovic just needs to be more productive going forward.