West Ham United: David Moyes decision validated as Lucas Paqueta stars v Tottenham
David Moyes will be delighted after his tactics paid off for West Ham as they claimed a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Tuesday (2 April).
Due to Tottenham’s form under Ange Postecoglou, and the ability of their full-backs in Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, Moyes deployed his team in a narrow set-up, working wonders on the counterattack.
Despite Brennan Johnson scoring a fifth-minute opener for the visitors, Kurt Zouma blasted a header home to equalise just 14 minutes later, and West Ham had some brilliant chances to take the lead.
At the centre of these goalscoring opportunities was the ever-present Lucas Paqueta, who remains one of the first names on the Hammers teamsheet, if not the first.
Despite mainly being utilised on the left flank this season, especially when long-term injuries have taken their effect, Moyes’ decision to move Paqueta back into the middle has been hugely beneficial.
Since returning from injury, the Brazilian has notched two goals and one assist. However, the creative engine is much more than just his goal contributions, rather pulling the strings for his teammates.
Even though the Hammers eventually lost 4-3 to Newcastle United in a thriller at St Mary’s Stadium, Joe Cole dubbed Paqueta a “complete” player, and it would be difficult to disagree.
Lucas Paqueta stars in midfield role for West Ham United v Tottenham
As displayed by Sofascore, Paqueta’s season heatmap shows that most of his impact has come down the left flank. But since starting as an attacking midfielder in the 5-0 win over Freiburg in the Europa League, Moyes has not looked back.
Against Spurs, the 26-year-old, though starting in a similar position, was given a free-roam role, as seen in his heatmap on Sofascore, making it much harder for Postecoglou’s men to mark him.
While he was only able to maintain a 71 per cent pass accuracy, 10 of his passes were into the final third, having also taken two shots at Guglielmo Vicario’s goal. [FotMob]
Having been successful in 100 per cent of his dribbles, 75 per cent accuracy in long balls, and winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels, Paqueta was a nuisance to the Tottenham midfield.
He also made eight recoveries and battled in 15 ground duels, as well as entering six tackles.
In a campaign where Moyes has been under continuous pressure from the fans for his defensive style of play, the Scot should be commended for his decision to change Paqueta’s position in recent weeks.
In other West Ham news, Chris Sutton believes on Hammers star has given Gareth Southgate “food for thought” ahead of Euro 2024
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