Lucas Paqueta spotted in ‘Significant’ West Ham moment after what he did
Lucas Paqueta hugging Julen Lopetegui after his goal for West Ham United against Bournemouth was “interesting”, Martin Allen has said.
The former Hammers player posted on X that the Brazilian running straight over to the dugout after his late penalty in the Irons’ 1-1 draw on 16 December has the potential to be a “significant” moment.
Paqueta’s goal may have been cancelled out by Enes Unal’s free-kick within three minutes, but after a possible fallout between him and Lopetegui had been spotted, Allen suggests they’ve patched things up.
Allen’s post said: “Significant moment tonight? Paqueta scoring, and celebrated by running over to the manager and hugging each other.
“Interesting. Tells us a lot.”
Lucas Paqueta moment can be a turning point for West Ham star
Paqueta’s third goal of the season – and first since early October – may not have been enough to give Lopetegui’s side back-to-back wins this term, but it could spur the Brazilian back to his best form.
The 27-year-old is far from the only Hammers player who hasn’t seen eye-to-eye with Lopetegui so far this season, with Mohammed Kudus’ form flatlining since the Spaniard arrived in East London.
That 87th-minute penalty on the south coast could prove to be a turning point in the Brazilian’s case though, and given the support West Ham has shown him recently, it’s the least their fans deserve.
Paqueta’s career could hang in the balance if he’s found guilty of multiple FA betting breaches, but rather than washing their hands by selling him in the summer, he remains a key cog in the Irons’ setup.
Their number 10 being out of sight, out of mind looked a better strategy than keeping him based on Paqueta’s form so far this season, but his embrace with Lopetegui could be the sign of a corner being turned.
In other West Ham news, an out-of-favour Irons player’s entourage have been approached over a potential move in January.
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