Such was the intensity of the second half against Everton, entertaining spectators at the ground and TV audiences alike, that in the drama, an incident almost overlooked by viewers in the last few minutes involving one of West Ham’s senior internationals has since been highlighted.
Indeed at the time the SKY TV commentator picked up on the incident which went unpunished. Referring back to it after the game, he emphasised the nature of the ‘simulation’ and the player involved when posting on his twitter account.
Lucas Paqueta’s theatrical fall to the floor clutching his face after receiving an elbow in the ribs received short shrift from Ian Darke on twitter, who called it out for what it was:
“Embarrassing -Paqueta taking a dig in the ribs and collapsing clutching his face. So stupid with cameras everywhere to expose the cheating. In an ideal world , that should carry a one game ban for any player trying it ( and there have been a few ).”
Paqueta’s embarrassing antics need reigning in
New head coach Espírito Santo is not known for his tolerance and will be able to confront this unsavoury and yes, embarrassing side of Paquetá’s game in their shared language. The Brazilian has far too much talent to stoop so low as to try and get another professional yellow or red carded: In these days of VAR, cameras pore over every incident and the Paq- man was lucky not to receive punishment for such an obvious display of theatricals.
Espirito Santo has already dealt with the truculent Todibo and the out of form Ward Prowse – both of whom were left out of the match day squad as C and H wrote earlier. Paqueta may find himself on the receiving end of whatever Nuno’s equivalent of the Alex Ferguson ‘hairdryer’ treatment: The Brazilian has become well known to Hammers supporters for his diving and tumbling at the merest whiff of a challenge.
If Paquetá for one moment thinks his antics escape the attention of would – be suitors next summer then he is very much mistaken. A point which his manager and quite possibly his own agent will try and reinforce if he still harbours dreams of his big-money move.
Time to let his football rather than theatrics do the talking. He is much too talented to resort to such juvenile behaviour and it does not befit a top professional.
I can’t be certain as I can’t remember accurately but I think Forest were pretty good at the dark arts stuff under Nuno. I’m not a fan of it personally but it seems to get results these days. So why not join in with the cheats if that’s what the reds are tolerating these days.
let’s for goodness sake hope that nobody from a hairdressing salon in Rio had a bet on Lucas getting an elbow in the face in a specific 5 minute spell of the 2nd half , now breathe
Shame the same pundits, commentators etc don’t call out the antics of the Arsenal and Man City players diving and making out they’ve been fouled. Gabriel for Newcastle’s goal and also the nonexistent punch he got from Fab the other season. Grealish apparently is the is the most fouled player in the league, not surprised the amount of the time he spends on he’s backside with he’s arms open wide. I’m not bothered about Paqueta falling over getting free kicks it’s the dark arts and some are better than others.
Try,really really try to write something that doesn’t mention Dave Ward Prowse. He wasn’t there,he didn’t play yet you keep banging on and on and on about him. Wake up tomorrow, take a happy pill just Try be a bit more positive. You never know you may get to enjoy it.
err… this was an article about Lucas Paquetá…
Martin, I believe Todibo was unwell and was sent home – but who knows anything anymore?!
I don’t condone this type of play at all, however there were enough of the Everton players doing simular things. The smile on the Everton defender’s face when he turned to run back with Bowen after getting a so called push in the back said it all really. The Ref was poor for both sides really
Not only does Paqueta needs reigning in but also Fulkrug in earlier matches
I might be in the minority Martin but I for one was hoping Paqueta moved on in the window. Loads of talent but also loads of baggage. No consistency at any point in his time at West Ham. Saw what he did last night and no excuse for it I’m afraid. Far better players than him have come and gone. Move on.
I did find it somewhat annoying that Andy Hinchcliffe called out Fulkrug and Paqueta for being “theatrical” when his previous Everton fielded one Jack Grealish