Alexander Isak celebrates
Alexander Isak finally has a Premier League goal to show for his nine-figure move to Anfield
Mohamed Salah looks on from the bench
Mohamed Salah was benched for the first time in a league game since Jürgen Klopp was Liverpool manager
Gakpo’s goal did not arrive until the 92nd minute, after Paquetá’s dismissal had ripped much of the hope away from West Ham and their fans. Controlling Joe Gomez’s cross, Gakpo finished with power to seal a win that could, perhaps, prove to be a springboard for Liverpool.
Paqueta hits out at the FA after extraordinary red card
Lucas Paquetá walks off the pitch after receiving his second yellow card
Lucas Paquetá received two yellow cards for consecutive acts of dissent in the 83rd and 84th minutes at the London Stadium
Lucas Paquetá, the West Ham United midfielder, appeared to blame the Football Association for the extraordinary red card he was given for two consecutive acts of dissent against Liverpool.
Paquetá was shown yellow cards in the 83rd and 84th minutes of West Ham’s 2-0 defeat as he repeatedly complained to referee Darren England about a decision that had gone against his team.
In a statement on social media, posted shortly after the match, Paquetá apologised to the West Ham fans and players, but also suggested his behaviour was a result of the lengthy investigation into spot-fixing, for which he was eventually cleared.
The FA launched their investigation into Paquetá in August 2023, who was alleged to have deliberately been booked, before then charging him in May 2024. He was cleared in July this year.
Responding to a video clip of his red card in which his behaviour was described as “ridiculous”, Paquetá wrote on social media: “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.
“Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”
It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behavior is just a reflection of everything I've had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I'm sorry if I'm not perfect https://t.co/0CdUYNkoSU
— Lucas Paquetá (@LucasPaqueta97) November 30, 2025
In another post in Portuguese, he added: “I understand that now I have to come across as the villain, it’s hard to live with everything that was caused in my life and in my psyche! I’ll keep trying to ensure they don’t affect me even more. This doesn’t justify my expulsion and that’s why I apologise to the fans and my team-mates!”
It was reported in September that Paquetá was considering suing the FA, following the decision by an independent commission to clear him on four counts of alleged spot-fixing.
The announcement of the FA’s investigation in August 2023 caused the collapse of the midfielder’s proposed transfer to Manchester City.
Nuno Espírito Santo, the West Ham United head coach, said after the defeat by Liverpool: “It is hard to play against a team like Liverpool with one player less. I won’t go much further in my comments. I want to speak with him [Paquetá] first. I want to have a private conversation, to understand him.”
Liverpool celebrate their opening goal
Liverpool celebrate their opening goal Credit: Reuters/Tony O'Brien
Alexander Isak celebrates his goal with Ibrahima Konate
Alexander Isak celebrates his goal with Ibrahima Konate
Callum Wilson with a muted celebration against Bournemouth last time out
Callum Wilson with a muted celebration against Bournemouth last time out