Having had to spend most of yesterday exploring, reading and writing about every ‘report’, seemingly condemning West Ham to a “Paquetá exit” on deadline day, together with the associated “shock, horror” rumours that he’d refused travel, wouldn’t be playing, blah, blah – the Brazilian’s man of the match performance brought me to my feet in applause – alone in my living room like a twenty year old, for heavens sake.
The dog went batty as I cheered and leapt around – like me she’s quite unused to shows of delirium at the conclusion of West Ham matches in much of the last two years.
Clearly for everyone who saw Paquetá’s celebration, his mime and badge kiss, it is evident that he’ll not be leaving West Ham this window, whatever scare stories may have been ‘here we go’ed in the last 24 hours. (Incidentally Graham Potter confirmed in just one word that Paquetá would not be leaving tomorrow.)
But Paq-man’s performance stood out as one that just got better and better as the game went on. I’d love to know how far he ran in that 98 minute feat of endurance in which just about every Hammers player did their bit.
West Ham’s number ten had a never-ending energy today, chasing back and defending, appearing all over the pitch, winning free-kicks – in a performance which showed his true colours. His cool penalty conversion and celebration leaves no room for argument. Brilliant and how composed, collected and mature even after everything written in the last couple of days. Hats off to the guy.
The excitement for West Ham fans – apart from Paquetá’s resurgence and evident desire to stay – is the partnership which began today with Mateus Fernandes on his debut.
The fledgling relationship between the Portuguese and the Brazilian looks to be of huge potential: There were early signs of understanding which will be genuinely exciting to watch as the season continues.
Lucas Paquetá, man of the match. Crysencio Summerville may get the headlines but West Ham’s Brazilian was back to his ‘magnifico’ best today.
YES !!! Love the positivity
Me too
I was amazed & delighted seeing the whole team, especially Paqueta & Summerville, perform so well.
And Wilson! I was one of those that did not feel that he should be welcome. But I have to retract my comments. He did real well & showed great commitment.
Fernandes and Paquetas link up was truly something to see…for the young Lads debut i have to say he looked so good and as mentioned he and Paq complemented each other perfectly heres hoping that they play like this in future matches
Didn’t play like a man leaving he was brilliant, Summerville too . Good all round team performance ⚒
Paqueta for MotM for me too.
Although special mentions for Diouf, Mavros, KWP and Bowen ⚒️.