Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta has stepped forward to provide a dose of perspective amid recent rumblings of discontent within the West Ham fanbase, writes the Hammer.News. The Hammers have made an impressive start to the new Premier League season, but recent defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool have raised questions and concerns among supporters.
West Ham’s early-season form, including victories against Chelsea, Brighton, and Luton, as well as a draw at Bournemouth, had fueled optimism and silenced lingering doubts from the previous season. Furthermore, a win in their Europa League opener had put the club in a favorable position in their group.
However, the lopsided losses to Manchester City and Liverpool, although expected against two top-tier opponents, have triggered a reevaluation of West Ham’s performance and approach. Some fans have expressed frustration with aspects of the team’s play, such as the second-half approach against Liverpool, where they believed opportunities to exploit the opposition’s defense were missed.
Moreover, critiques have arisen regarding manager David Moyes’ decisions, including the gradual integration of Mohammed Kudus into the squad and the repositioning of Lucas Paqueta on the wing to accommodate a midfield trio of Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse, and Edson Alvarez.
In response to these concerns, Lucas Paqueta, in a rare interview with West Ham’s official website, offered words of encouragement and perspective. He emphasized that everyone connected with the club should view their performances against Manchester City and Liverpool as a sign of progress and growth.
“The loss is annoying though because we did have chances to win the game, just like against City,” Paqueta commented on the defeat at Anfield. He highlighted the need for the team to maintain its confidence, acknowledging the positive strides made in their style of play.
Paqueta received a standing ovation from the home crowd for his dazzling display during the Liverpool match, a testament to his impact. He noted, “We’re disappointed with a loss against Liverpool, so that’s a sign of how we’ve come on. We were good in both games and we had chances to win.”
Despite the recent setbacks, Paqueta remains optimistic about West Ham’s prospects. He emphasized the team’s improvement and their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The midfielder’s words serve as a reminder of the progress made by the Hammers and the potential for continued success in the Premier League.
“I think we’ve started the season well. We’ve had four really difficult opponents in Brighton, Chelsea, City, and Liverpool, and we’re sitting on 10 points,” Paqueta noted. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to maintain their positive momentum, emphasizing their commitment to hard work and the importance of confidence within the squad.
Lucas Paqueta’s perspective provides reassurance for West Ham fans and underscores the belief within the club that they are on the right path, with plenty of reasons to remain positive about the season ahead.