By Hughie Southon
What a double act! The Bowen/Paqueta show really is as effective as it is entertain.
Just ask Jarrod who has nothing but good things to say about the Brazilian magician who hit new levels of brilliance.
If there can be one criticism it would be “Please Lucas, stop play acting the injury routine as it is more than a tad embarrassing.
Don’t expect Jarrod to join the protest though after the pair combined in a super show with the icing being on the amazing goal which saw the No 20 chase down the win, provide a wonderful cross and Lucas timing his leap to perfection and heading home.
Paqueta – a sight we hope to see tonight
The outstanding Bowen loves playing alongside him and it was incredibly easy to see why as we recorded our second win of the year in the Euopa League
It was entirely appropriate that Lucas should score on what was his 50th appearance for the Hammers.
And afterwards Jarrod commented to West Ham TV: “We started very we. We got our press right, we hurried them and we got the early goal. But we knew we weren’t going to control all the game.
They’re a tough side and they’ve done so well in Europe and in the Bundesliga over the years. With the atmosphere we were playing in, it was difficult, but we dug in well and we won the three points.
The first goal was nice. It was something we’ve worked on, with myself playing as the No9. I saw the space in behind and I got in behind, and it was about finding someone with the cross.
And what a leap from Lucas Paquetá! It was a great header to put us in the lead and it was nice to see something we’ve worked on pay off.
“Lucas gets better with every game we play in and you never know what he’s going to do with the ball. He’s got so much about him, with so much flair and control.
But the one main thing when playing for this club is the hard work. And you can see he’s always running around, wanting to win the ball back and take the tackles from the opposition.
“He takes the pressure off us and, when we need a focal point, we know we can rely on him. He’s getting better in every game and I love playing with him.”