David Moyes completely wrong to start Lucas Paqueta after West Ham United incident in first half v Bristol City
David Moyes got it completely wrong to start Lucas Paqueta in the West Ham game against Bristol City on Sunday (7 January).
The Brazilian international was drafted back into the starting lineup for the FA Cup clash after missing out on the 0-0 draw against Brighton on 2 January through injury.
But the 26-year-old attacker appears to have been brought back into the team far too early after as he was forced off the field with less than 10 minutes on the clock when he appeared to be struggling with what looked to be a knee issue.
It will be a major concern for Moyes to see one of his star man exit the game so early on as he was replaced by forward Divin Mubama.
Paqueta originally picked up the injury in the 2-0 victory over Arsenal on 28 December, which would then see him sidelined for the Brighton clash.
The Brazilian had appeared to be struggling with a slight problem in previous games building up to that fixture, having required extensive treatment to a leg injury in the 2-1 win over Tottenham on 7 December.
Perhaps the amount of game time the midfielder has been forced to play has been catching up on him, having already played 27 times for the Hammers this season.
He has been in fine form during that time after scoring five goals and laying on six assists, helping the Irons qualify for the knockout rounds of the Europa League and battle it out amongst the European places in the Premier League.
One of those assists came in the first half against Bristol City as he set Jarrod Bowen through on goal before the forward slotted his side in front on four minutes.
Although Moyes will be pleased to see his side take a 1-0 lead into the break, he will be concerned about Paqueta’s injury and what that could mean for his side over the next few weeks.
If there was any doubt about his fitness heading into the game, then it was, quite frankly, a ridiculous risk to take given his importance to the side.
In other West Ham news, one player wants to leave the Hammers amid a £30million development.