Pablo Zabaleta targets Marko Arnautovic and launches "distractions" in West Ham

Pablo Zabaleta, of West Ham, tackles the distractions off the field that threaten to cancel the West Ham season.

Argentine defender Zabaleta aims to score Marko Arnautovic, but says speculation about Austria's future is just one of the reasons for the Hammers' recent failure.

Since their victory over Arsenal on 12 January, Manuel Pellegrini's team has succumbed to three consecutive defeats.

A defeat in the league in Bournemouth was followed by the debacle of the FA Cup against AFC Wimbledon, before the sad defeat of Wednesday night in the 3-0 defeat of Wolves dera.

And Zabaleta insists that all members of the club should look at themselves.

Zabaleta said, "Honestly, I think so many situations on the ground have created a bit of a bad atmosphere.

"I understand that January is a difficult month for clubs because you can have a lot of interest in your best players.

"I'm not saying that everything is about Arnautovic. It's not just his situation. There have been many names of players in the media.

"But Arnie was out of the group for two games and he was the main player for us."

Arnautovic, 29, tried to pull out of the club earlier this month, seeking to earn a lot of money in China.

But less than an hour after the humiliation of Saturday's cup, the club announced a half-lap on behalf of the hitman, who had announced a new contract.

Zabaleta, frustrated, confessed that she would be happy that February was over and called for increased commitment from all members of the gambling team.

"If we want to become the team we were in December, we need to bring everyone together and stay united. And play hard for each other.

"You could see West Ham playing as a team at that time, but in January it was difficult on and off the field. The only good thing was the victory against Arsenal.

"February is around the corner, I can not wait until February 1 and everyone is back.

"We need everyone's commitment again if we want to have a good season and make West Ham a better club and a better team."