Lucy Ward savages Lucas Paqueta on BT Sport in West Ham United v Gent
BT Sport pundit Lucy Ward has blasted Lucas Paqueta for his role in Gent’s opener against West Ham in the Europa Conference League, as shown on their Twitter account.
The Brazilian was far too complacent in possession with his attempted pass resulting in a goal for the Belgian side.
He also failed to show urgency to recover the ball, with his “sloppy” pass being intercepted and then the Hammers were carved open with ease after that.
“It’s sloppy [from Paqueta], then it’s just not quick enough,” she stated.
“It’s just mistake after mistake, in terms of not being able to clear it, not getting close enough and then it’s far too easy. From a West Ham perspective, they’ve started the game well but that is far too easy to concede.
“This is exactly where they don’t want defensive mistakes at this stage of a European competition.”
Can’t be repeated
The 26th minute strike from Hugo Cuypers came at a time when the Hammers were seemingly comfortable and getting forward.
Then, just like that, a terrible mistake from Paqueta opened the door for Gent to fully capitalise. Ward was justified to criticise the former Lyon man as well as the collective defensive effort, on that occasion.
It simply wasn’t good enough and there can be no repeat if David Moyes’ men are to go on and win the tie with Michail Antonio nodding in the equaliser.
The Hammers had shot themselves in the foot again but at what cost, in this high-stakes encounter
The goal highlighted the vulnerability that still haunts this West Ham team as they can be caught out at any given time, especially when it had been an otherwise positive start to the game from the Irons.
It also showed the work required from Paqueta, on the defensive side of his game, as much as he is talented and very capable in attack.
In other West Ham news, the club wants to sign ‘Fantastic’ midfielder as the search for Declan Rice’s replacement begins.