I’m staying – Lucas Paqueta sends emphatic message to West Ham fans
Lucas Paqueta sent a clear message to West Ham United fans during the Hammers’ 3-0 demolition of Nottigham Forest.
It was a late triple salvo from Graham Potter’s side that earned them a first win of their Premier League season.
Potter had been under pressure entering the match but it was a resolute defensive performance from a side that has conceded eight goals in two games so far this season ahead of this game.
Jarrod Bowen was the first to score, and a minute later Paqueta converted a penalty to and sent a clear message to the West Ham faithful in crowd behind the goal.
Lucas Paqueta sends a clear message after West Ham twist
Paqueta’s goal was followed on by a Callum Wilson header at the back post to seal all three points for Potter’s side.
It was Paqueta’s penalty goal that will steal the headlines though, due more to the Brazilian’s celebration rather than the penalty kick.
In a clear message that he is staying, Paqueta mimicked picking up a phone and throwing it away with disgust, proceeded by a vigorous and passionate slapping and kissing of the West Ham badge.
All of this is in response to reports linking the 28-year-old to a move to Aston Villa ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday.
Sources have told Football Insider that will Paqueta will “reluctantly” be allowed to leave West Ham United for the right price by Monday’s transfer cut-off
Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen are crucial to West Ham’s revival
Football Insider verdict
Potter’s side had endured an awful start to their Premier League season, losing their opening two league games by an aggregate score of 8-1 before today’s game.
The riveting late show at the City Ground will lay some questions over Potter’s job to rest but the pressure is still on the ex-Chelsea boss to turn things around at the London Stadium.
| Season | Goal involvements |
| 2019-20 | 5 |
| 2020-21 | 13 |
| 2021-22 | 22 |
| 2022-23 | 11 |
| 2023-24 | 22 |
| 2024-25 | 21 |
Potter has been vocal in his desire for new faces to come into the club with numerous pundits suggesting that West Ham are a mess behind the scenes.
If the 50-year-old is to turn this season around and steady the West Ham ship, today proved that Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta will be absolutely crucial to that happening.