Carragher rages at ‘Embarrassing’ Paqueta footage in West Ham v Aston Villa
Lucas Paqueta was “embarrassing” for going down to the floor as West Ham United drew 1-1 against Aston Villa in the Premier League, Jamie Carragher says.
The ex-defender wasn’t pleased with the midfielder’s theatrics towards the end of the first half at Villa Park on Sunday (26 January).
Carragher couldn’t believe it when VAR reviewed the incident, saying, “Oh wow,” as he saw the Brazilian ace tumbling to the floor after apparent minimal contact from Lucas Digne.
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League (26 January, 17:20), the 46-year-old said: “It’s one of them embarrassing ones. Just get up…”
Lucas Paqueta actions shameful in Aston Villa v West Ham United
Paqueta should be ashamed of what he did at Villa Park, and his performance was also below par in the first half, but he made amends after the break.
The Brazil international initially looked like he was back to his former self under Graham Potter, but in the last two matches, the entire team has reverted to how they played under Julen Lopetegui.
While the English manager can’t be blamed for the lack of quality in the squad, his insistence to play five defenders hasn’t been fruitful.
West Ham fans expected their team to play more attacking football after Potter’s arrival, but they’ve hardly seen any patterns of play in the final third.
The former Brighton boss can be excused for not having a reliable number nine at his disposal, and the decision to play Paqueta as the lone striker backfired this time around.
Potter needs time, but the English manager needs to make his team play better, which hasn’t been the case.
The new head coach must first find a style of play that does not rely on having five defenders, and then the Irons may be more potent in attack.
In other West Ham news, Potter must convince Evan Ferguson to move to the London Stadium now after the latest update.
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