Paqueta slaughtered after ‘shambolic’ incident in West Ham loss v Aston Villa
Martin Allen has slammed Lucas Paqueta for simulation as Aston Villa scored their equaliser against West Ham on Friday.
The Brazil international went down after grappling with Ezri Konsa inside the penalty area on 10 January, leaving the defender free to take a touch from a corner.
This eventually allowed Amadou Onana to score the Villans’ first goal in a moment which left former Hammers midfielder Allen fuming.
Taking to X (12 January), the former Leicester City manager said: “Yes the assistant referee made a mistake. It wasn’t a corner. Paqueta simulated a foul by Aston Villa’s number four [Konsa].
“Aston Villa’s number four set up and made the goal. He should have marked him and stopped him. He wasn’t hurt. There was no foul. Shambolic defending.”
Lucas Paqueta slammed in West Ham controversy v Aston Villa
The clash at Villa Park posed an opportunity for the 27-year-old to prove himself to Graham Potter after finding himself on the bench at times under Julen Lopetegui.
With less than 10 minutes on the clock in the West Midlands, the attacking midfielder had already scored the opener and whistled an effort narrowly wide of the top corner.
This looked set to be a good omen for the ex-Lyon man but that didn’t turn out to be the case as he was caught out for the home side’s equaliser.
It is safe to say that this didn’t go down well with the Hammers faithful who were left unimpressed by the Brazilian who ultimately cost his side.
Moving forward, Paqueta needs to work harder to show his new manager what he is about and show why he deserves a role in the side moving forward.
Going down under little pressure and feigning injury won’t go down well with Potter who will want to see a change in his mindset.
In other West Ham news, Southampton are on alert as Potter told to make Aaron Ramsdale his first signing.
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