Lucas Paqueta is sent off for West Ham.placeholder image
Lucas Paqueta is sent off for West Ham. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo saw a key West Ham player get himself sent off against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United have been handed a boost as they look to follow up a comeback victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday with another three points against West Ham in midweek action.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side make the trip to Old Trafford on Thursday night and will need a response after a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the London Stadium. That ended a three match unbeaten run for the Hammers.
Liverpool arrived at West Ham in desperate need of a result with pressure mounting on Arne Slot. Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the Reds with his first Premier League goal for the club after 60 minutes but any Hammers comeback was hampered by a red card to playmaker Lucas Paqueta, before Cody Gakpo added a second in injury time.
West Ham star slammed for ‘stupidity’ against Liverpool
The Brazilian only returned to the starting XI against Liverpool having missed out at AFC Bournemouth for suspension. That ban came as a result of collecting five yellow cards.
Now, the midfielder is set to miss another match and it’s the tough trip to Manchester United. Paqueta first received a yellow card in the 83rd minute for dissent but went on to berate referee Darren England.
West Ham teammates Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes, as well as opposition goalkeeper and fellow Brazilian Alisson, but Paqueta would not drop the issue. A second yellow card followed for dissent and is once again banned.
Lucas Paqueta suspended for Manchester United clash
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: “It wasn't vintage Liverpool that we've seen over the past few seasons but it's not about that, it's about getting the three points.
“They were the better team and you just wondered if they'd get the first goal and once they got it, they got the second through Paqueta's stupidity to leave his team down to 10 men. Deserved win for Liverpool.”
It’s a big blow for Nuno, who had recently heaped praise on Paqueta amid talk of a potential January transfer exit. The Wes Ham boss said: “Irreplaceable, I will say, irreplaceable. We cannot, it’s impossible to replace a player like Lucas, we have to be aware what he means for us, what he gives us, his talent, fantastic player so… irreplaceable.”
Paqueta will be eligible to return for West Ham for the trip to Brighton on Sunday, December 7. The red card against Liverpool was the player’s third of his career and first at West Ham.
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