Mike Dean reacts instantly to Paqueta incident in West Ham draw v Bournemouth
West Ham United have one eye firmly on next season but will look to gather a decent run of results under Graham Potter before 2024-25 is complete.
After defeat at one of only four sides below them in the Premier League table in the shape of Wolves in midweek, the Hammers returned to the London Stadium to host Europe-chasing AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon (5 April).
When they looked destined for defeat at half-time courtesy of Evanilson’s first-half opener for the Cherries, Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen turned the game around in the second half, before Evanilson added his second for the contest to finish level at 2-2.
Lucas Paqueta victim of incident in West Ham v Bournemouth
Paqueta has been a player in the spotlight for unideal reasons over recent times, as the investigation into the spot-fixing allegations he vehemently denies continues.
The Brazilian playmaker continues to play as progress is made, with one of his notable accusations occurring in a previous game against Saturday’s opponents.
On this occasion, Paqueta was brought into the limelight against Bournemouth as the victim of a tasty challenge from visiting midfielder Lewis Cook.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean agreed that the on-field decision of a booking for Cook – going “right through the back of” Paqueta – was the correct call.
Host Simon Thomas informed Sky Sports News viewers (5 April, 15:32): “Lewis Cook was booked for a bad tackle on Paqueta, right through the back of him.”
Dean reacted upon checking the footage: “Spot on. He got a bit of the ball, but the way the way he’s come through, it’s a clear yellow card.”
Potter attempting to end season on high
West Ham have done enough not to worry about an unimaginable relegation – considered as much due to the spending spree the Irons undertook last summer.
It has been largely underwhelming and several figures have been peddled through the exit door as a result, with the Hammers under more pressure to deliver in 2025-26.
The Hammers did manage successive wins against Arsenal and Leicester City, keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the process back in February, but they have not tasted victory again since.
| West Ham – last four results | Result |
| Bournemouth (H) | D 2-2 |
| Wolves (A) | L 0-1 |
| Everton (A) | D 1-1 |
| Newcastle (H) | L 0-1 |
Potter’s side have shown a marked improvement in performances, but have been the victims of fine margins and losing multiple games by the odd goal, as opposed to some of the displays fans endured under Julen Lopetegui.
It’s all on next campaign now for Irons fans, but they could do with some momentum and have seven left to go before a much-needed summer reassessment.