There was a time when Lucas Paqueta would only fleetingly show the offensive traits that made him a valuable asset to West Ham United. But two games into the Graham Potter era, those redeeming features are now the norm rather than an exception.
There has not been too much material for Paqueta’s highlights reel this season, but he has rediscovered his attacking verve against Aston Villa and Fulham, scoring in successive games for the first time since March.
The 27-year-old fell to the turf in exhaustion after Tuesday’s precious 3-2 victory over Fulham. It was a rare sight, seldom seen under former manager Julen Lopetegui, but one that shows the attacker has already bought into Potter’s methods. The Brazil international had to fulfil his media requirements with UK broadcaster TNT Sport, but a smattering of supporters in the lower tier of the west stand stayed so they could applaud him off the pitch.
Paqueta has benefited most from Potter’s arrival and there are signs of a striking bond between the pair. Potter spoke to the attacking midfielder after his appointment last Thursday and his words of encouragement have had the desired effect. With Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio sidelined with injuries, Paqueta was entrusted with playing as a false nine. Most impressive was his penchant for winning duels: 12 in total and the most by an outfield player.
Paqueta celebrates his goal (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“We tried to use Lucas as a No 9 and his responsibility for the team throughout was really good,” said Potter in his post-match press conference. “I thought he (Edson Alvarez) was also really good and has really taken on board what we’re trying to do. He’s been really important for us.
“I’ve spoken to him (Paqueta) and loads of the players. The way they’ve responded has been top and I couldn’t have asked for any more. The players have been supportive and they’re not going to be perfect, but the attention and the effort is the minimum we require. That helped us win today.”
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Paqueta has registered four goals in 20 league appearances. His initial loss of form was perhaps not surprising given the ongoing investigation into alleged breaches of betting rules, which he denies. But across both games under Potter, Paqueta has removed those shackles to play with freedom.
Carlos Soler, the loanee from Paris Saint-Germain, also played an important role in West Ham’s newfound spirited determination. The midfielder scored the opener, his first league goal for the club, and was involved in the attack that led to Tomas Soucek doubling their lead.
This was the first time since October that West Ham have scored three goals in a match and while they did not create a stack of chances — they had just four shots in the whole game — they were ruthlessly efficient.
Having three different scorers in Soler, Soucek and Paqueta will also have thrilled Potter, who has insisted that all his players need to chip in with goals. Potter had goalscoring midfielders in Alexis Mac Allister, Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard during his spell at Brighton & Hove Albion and he does not want his new team to be reliant on the forwards being the main marksmen. Seeing his players fulfil an objective he outlined was an encouraging sign.
Mohammed Kudus, however, struggled against Fulham’s defence and Potter had no qualms about withdrawing him after 63 minutes. Kudus punched the substitute’s bench in frustration, but his replacement, Danny Ings, immediately had an impact, forcing goalkeeper Bernd Leno into making a mistake, with Paqueta ready to capitalise.
“I didn’t think we were going to win the game by playing nice football,” said Potter. “It was about forcing an error and creating something out of nothing and Danny’s energy coming on was good. (Kudus) is a top player, but he was running a little on empty because of the effort he put in against Aston Villa and Danny was champing to get on. His attitude and personality when he came on was top.
Potter was thrilled with Paqueta’s contribution (Warren Little/Getty Images)
“It was far from perfect in terms of how we want to be in the long-term, but as a starting point, the players gave everything. We started passive and didn’t put enough pressure on Fulham, but then that changed halfway through the first half. They were gifts — but from our pressure. We rode our luck at times, but where we are at and with the attacking players we have missing, and after an intense game at Villa, again I’m delighted with the three goals and win.
West Ham showed potency, physicality and above all patience. It will put them in good stead for their upcoming home game against Crystal Palace, who they beat in August.
But the two goals conceded against Fulham show they are still susceptible to lapses in concentration at the back. West Ham have kept one clean sheet in their last 10 games. It is a weakness Potter must address, with the centre-back pairing of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Maximilian Kilman still a work in progress.
But of all the positives, Paqueta’s man-of-the-match performance was most pleasing. Two different games, two energised performances and two different celebrations suggest the Brazilian is back, and not a moment too soon.
(Top photo: Warren Little/Getty Images)
