Gary Neville has delivered a stinging rebuke of Lucas Paquetá, labeling the Brazilian’s defensive efforts as “lazy” following a costly penalty giveaway during West Ham United’s demoralizing 5-2 loss to Arsenal. The incident occurred during a chaotic first half that saw West Ham’s defense unravel against a rampant Arsenal side.
The penalty was conceded with Arsenal already holding a commanding 2-0 lead. Paquetá, attempting to intercept Bukayo Saka inside the box, mistimed his challenge entirely, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Martin Ødegaard calmly dispatched the resulting penalty, stretching Arsenal’s lead to 3-0 in just 34 minutes and putting West Ham on the back foot early.
Neville, speaking live on Sky Sports, did not mince words in his analysis of Paquetá’s error. “Paquetá had a waft, a lazy waft,” he remarked, clearly unimpressed by the midfielder’s effort. “He’s never really going to be able to shift his feet quick enough. I’ve got very little sympathy for players who make that type of challenge.” Neville’s comments underscore a growing concern about lapses in concentration and discipline among key West Ham players during critical moments in matches.
A Major Setback for Julen Lopetegui
For manager Julen Lopetegui, this defeat will feel particularly deflating given the context. The Hammers had seemingly turned a corner with an impressive victory over Newcastle United in their previous fixture, temporarily easing some of the mounting pressure on the Spanish coach. However, this performance against Arsenal brought their vulnerabilities back into sharp focus. The defensive collapse in the first half left West Ham with a mountain to climb, as Arsenal picked apart their backline with clinical precision.
Paquetá’s penalty incident was symptomatic of a broader issue: a lack of discipline and composure under pressure. While the Brazilian’s error may not have been the only reason for West Ham’s capitulation, it set the tone for a woeful first-half display. Arsenal exploited West Ham’s frailties ruthlessly, and the Gunners were far from finished after Ødegaard’s spot-kick.
Before the halftime whistle, West Ham compounded their misery with yet another penalty giveaway. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabiański, attempting to punch the ball clear in a crowded penalty area, collided with Gabriel Jesus, prompting the referee to award Arsenal a second penalty. Saka stepped up again, delivering a composed finish to make it 5-2 before the break. For Lopetegui and his coaching staff, the two penalties epitomized the disorganization and lack of focus that has plagued West Ham in recent weeks.
A Chaotic First Half
The first 45 minutes were nothing short of a nightmare for West Ham. Arsenal’s relentless attacking play exposed gaps in their defensive setup, and the Hammers struggled to contain the likes of Saka, Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus. Despite their best efforts to mount a response later in the half, West Ham’s mistakes had already handed Arsenal a commanding lead.
Paquetá’s error, in particular, will serve as a bitter reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and avoiding unnecessary risks in high-stakes games. The Brazilian midfielder, widely regarded for his creative flair and attacking contributions, has faced criticism in the past for moments of recklessness in defense. This latest incident is likely to add fuel to the fire, especially as West Ham’s defensive record continues to come under scrutiny.
Defensive Fragility Remains a Concern
Lopetegui now faces a daunting task in shoring up West Ham’s defense and instilling greater discipline across the squad. While their attacking potential is evident—especially with the talent of players like Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio—their inability to maintain composure in critical moments could prove costly in the long run.
The second half of the match offered little solace for West Ham. While they managed to prevent further damage, the defensive vulnerabilities on display during the first half remain a glaring concern. Lopetegui will undoubtedly demand a response from his players in training and will need leaders like Paquetá to step up and demonstrate greater maturity on the pitch.
Moving Forward
This humbling defeat should serve as a wake-up call for West Ham as they seek to climb the Premier League table and steer clear of relegation fears. For Paquetá, the criticism from Neville and others highlights the need for greater discipline and sharper decision-making in key moments. The Brazilian midfielder is a crucial part of West Ham’s setup, but performances like this will do little to endear him to fans or critics.
As for Lopetegui, the focus must now shift to regrouping and addressing the team’s defensive woes ahead of their next fixtures. The manager has shown glimpses of progress since taking charge, but lapses like those seen against Arsenal threaten to derail West Ham’s season. Moving forward, discipline, focus, and cohesion will be essential if the Hammers hope to avoid more nights like this one.