Jamie Carragher stunned by ‘fantastic’ Lucas Paqueta moment in first half of West Ham United v Aston Villa
Jamie Carragher was left stunned by Lucas Paqueta’s “fantastic footwork” in the first half of the match between West Ham and Aston Villa.
The Brazil star produced “brilliant” skill and composure to create a chance for his teammate Jarrod Bowen in the clash on Sunday (22 October).
The chance in the second minute at Villa Park, which Bowen ultimately missed, was then ruled out by the linesman for offside.
“Fantastic footwork from Paqueta,” Carragher said live on Sky Sports Main Event (4.32pm, 22 October). “He’s just offside. Matty Cash does well to hold the line.
“But it was brilliant skill and composure to find Bowen and more often than not he finds the net.”
Tight game
Both clubs would have been keen to lay a marker down early in this clash, having lost several players to their respective nations during the recent international break.
Fatigue is highly likely to have an impact on the final score, meaning a quick start and impressive first half was very much the plan from the two managers.
David Moyes and Unai Emery are certain to turn to their benches in the second half at Villa Park for that very reason. There is, however, also European football on the horizon for both clubs, with Villa and the Hammers on their travels on Thursday (26 October).
The Midlands club make the trip to the Netherlands to take on AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League, with the West London side travelling to Greece to play Olympiacos in the Europa League. Three Premier League points will, however, undoubtedly be the priority for the two men in the dugout.
In other West Ham news, one Hammers-linked player is weighing up offers, with a European giant “leading the charge” for his signature.