West Ham’s Payet sale sad but correct

Payet leaves on a sour note

West Ham fans’ memories of Dimitri Payet should be his performances last season. After starring on his Premier League debut in the win at Arsenal, he put in some outstanding performances, such as the brace against Newcastle then inspiring the team to a dramatic 12-minute comeback at Everton. He lit up the Boleyn Ground with his beautiful free-kicks, dazzling skill and quality that would not look out of place in a Champions League final.

And yet, now his move to former club Marseille has been completed, their memories may be rather different. Any happy recollections of last season will be tarred by his more recent petulance off the field and laziness on it, when his team and fans most needed him. He saw the club’s lack of ambition in the transfer market as a valid reason not to perform to his true potential.

Players like Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio, who impressed to a lesser extent last term and perhaps been outside the limelight, have been the ones to step up in times of hardship. The duo combined superbly in the 3-1 win at Middlesbrough. Antonio stretched play with his runs in behind, creating gaps between the opposition defence and midfield for Lanzini to work his magic.

The latter, who is thriving in the central role that Payet at times occupied last term, put in a superb cross at the Riverside for Andy Carroll, another player in form. The target man was criticized at times last season, but the importance of his powerful performances this term should not be underestimated.

The Saturday after it became clear that Payet allegedly refused to play for the club, Carroll scored a spectacular scissor kick against West Ham. That goal and overall display acted as a statement to say that there are talented footballers at the club who do want to play for the badge. The recent signs are that the Hammers are stronger, more unified side without their enigmatic Frenchman.

The manner of Payet’s West Ham exit might be sad, after all the memories he helped give their fans last season, but the decision to let him go is the right one.