West Ham overcame a spirited Gillingham performance to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 2-0 win over their League One opposition. A run deep into the cup would do manager David Moyes a few favours as he attempts to get fans and the West Ham board fully on side after his appointment last month. The player who scored the opening goal for the Hammers, Pablo Zabaleta, is a man who has lifted the famous old trophy before and as the Argentine right back’s career reaches its climax, it is easy to forget his status as a Premier League legend.
Zabaleta is one of the few players signed before the Sheikh Mansour takeover who managed to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium, alongside captain Vincent Kompany. The right-back made a total of 230 Premier League appearances for Manchester City in the Premier League and was part of the title-winning sides in both 2011/12 and 2013/14. He also lifted the FA Cup in 2010/11 ending a 35-year wait for a trophy. But since swapping Manchester for London and joining the Hammers, the 34-year-old has slipped into obscurity and has lost his place in the side to Ryan Fredericks this season, making just three league starts.
The Argentine’s effervescent smile must be an outstanding quality to have around the training ground, but his value to the starting eleven is diminishing with each passing year, though the weekend was a gentle reminder he is still notching up appearances. It was a rare delight to see the 34-year-old veteran score what was only his third FA Cup goal and there was no hiding the joy on Zabaleta’s face.
But when he eventually does come to leave the Premier League how, if at all, will Zabaleta be remembered? He should be thought of as an astute investment by the Sky Blues and one of, if not, the last players to represent the club in an era that no longer exists, back when they were cash strapped and looking over their shoulder. For many Zabaleta may be slipping into obscurity. Still, to Manchester City fans especially, the Argentine should be a subtle reminder of just how far the club have come, and where they came from in their ascent to the top of the English pyramid.
