‘Maverick’ Lucas Paqueta impresses David Moyes in West Ham’s Europa League win
David Moyes saluted his “maverick” forward Lucas Paqueta after the 2-1 Europa League win at Freiburg, even though he drives him mad. Freiburg’s nickname is the Breisgau Brazilians due to their flamboyant style of play, but it was West Ham’s Samba star Paqueta who stole the show. He put them ahead after only nine minutes with a towering header from a cross by Jarrod Bowen, celebrating his return to the England squad. Paqueta then spent the rest of the evening tormenting the hosts with his array of flicks, tricks and occasional theatrics. “It was a bit of an old-fashioned goal, down the side with a good cross, and then a great header like an old-fashioned centre forward. I really enjoyed watching it,” said Hammers boss Moyes. “Jarrod played well but Lucas was terrific. He drives me mad sometimes but everybody who watched him would have said this player has got incredible talent. “There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us. “It is really important we get him in and adapt to him and accept some of his things he may not do, things which I would say are conventional. There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us David Moyes on Lucas Paqueta “But we are really enjoying him at the moment and he is terrific at taking the ball under pressure – but also there are moments when I say: ‘what are you doing’?” The match may have taken place on the edge of the Black Forest, but it was never going to be a piece of cake for the Hammers against a side eighth in the Bundesliga. They were also up against 34,000 noisy fans, with no away supporters allowed to attend following incidents during West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph in June. Freiburg equalised after half-time through Roland Sallai, but Nayef Aguerd’s header from a James Ward-Prowse corner made it two wins from two in Group A and a 17th match undefeated in Europe, a record for an English club. “It’s a brilliant achievement, I’ve said to the boys we need to keep it going. Winning the game tonight was most important,” added Moyes. “I’m really pleased. We played very well especially, in the opening 20 or 30 minutes. “They came back, which I expected. They got better and we had moments when we played very well but we mainly won the first half. We had to then be good defensively.” Read More Steven Davis remains confident in Rangers squad despite defeat to Limassol Roberto De Zerbi hails ‘incredible’ Brighton reaction to salvage Marseille draw Warren Gatland highlights hard work as Wales aim to continue progress Geoge Ford believes partnership with Owen Farrell is ready to deliver West Ham set European record with victory over Freiberg in Germany Managerless Rangers slip to abject Europa League defeat in Limassol
2023-10-06 04:46
Billy Eppler quits as Mets general manager 3 days after David Stearns was hired above him
Billy Eppler quit as New York Mets general manager three days after David Stearns was hired above him as the team’s first president of baseball operations
2023-10-06 04:45
Falcons QB Desmond Ridder facing questions about job security in test against C.J. Stroud, Texans
Two straight losses have left the Atlanta Falcons at 2-2 and have led to questions about second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder's job security
2023-10-06 04:27
Golden State Warriors granted WNBA expansion franchise to begin play in 2025
The WNBA is coming to the Bay Area
2023-10-06 04:26
Chiefs struggling to get production from young group of wide receivers
The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled all season to get much production from their young group of wide receivers, and that is a big reason why their offense has failed to soar like it usually does
2023-10-06 04:21
MLB Rumors: Pete Alonso's destiny could depend upon another Cubs connection
The latest news on Pete Alonso could pave the way for the slugger to be traded to the Chicago Cubs this winter.
2023-10-06 04:19
NFL Rumors: Surprise Claypool suitor, Jonathan Taylor speaks, Jim Harbaugh buzz
A fresh batch of NFL rumors. Chase Claypool could be Chargers-bound, Jonathan Taylor won't speak about his Colts future, and Jim Harbaugh rumors persist.
2023-10-06 04:15
LAFC clinch playoff spot following 5-1 triumph over Minnesota United
LAFC are set for the postseason thanks to a hat trick from Denis Bouanga.
2023-10-06 04:15
West Ham keeps up perfect Europa League record, newcomer Brighton picks up first point
Goals from Lucas Paquetá and Nayef Aguerd have helped West Ham make it two wins from two games in the Europa League with a 2-1 victory at Freiburg
2023-10-06 04:15
Brighton battle back to hold Marseille, West Ham set English record in Europe
Brighton fought back to secure their first Europa League point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Marseille on Thursday as West Ham won 2-1 at Freiburg to set a new record unbeaten...
2023-10-06 03:59
Packers and Raiders both struggling to run as they prepare to meet on Monday night
The Green Bay Packers visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night
2023-10-06 03:59
Mississippi State aims to end 3-game skid in non-league matchup against Western Michigan
Mississippi State steps away from SEC play after losing three consecutive league games to face Western Michigan for the first time
2023-10-06 03:55
You Might Like...
Bruno Fernandes leads Europe with insane minutes total
Andre Onana to Manchester United is getting closer
Big wins over Bayern and Real – Man City’s route to the Champions League final
NFL Rumors: Latest Chris Jones contract demands actually seem reasonable
Kevin Brown Now Singing Blink-182 During Orioles Broadcasts
Michael Lorenzen throws no-hitter as Phillies beat Nationals 7-0
No. 17 Oklahoma trying to stay in Big 12 title race, with No. 7 Texas the league's final CFP hope
MLB Rumors: Blake Snell would love to sign with hometown team over Phillies
