Throughout the match, the midfielder showcased exceptional skill, adeptly controlling the game and leaving Liverpool players struggling. His dominance extended to defensive plays, as he consistently outpaced everyone in retrieving the ball.
It was disappointing that much of his impressive performance happened in deeper positions, mainly due to West Ham’s cautious strategy to counter Mohamed Salah’s threat on the wing.
With a range of tactics, Paqueta consistently outwitted Liverpool’s players, rendering them powerless against his creativity. He operated on a different level, effortlessly maneuvering the ball through their legs and executing slick flicks over their heads.
Paqueta’s impact had to be contained several times by the combined efforts of up to three Liverpool players, resulting in frequent fouls born out of sheer desperation. It’s fair to say that Paqueta’s performance left everyone astonished, from the enthusiastic audience to the commentators who couldn’t help but heap praise upon him.
At Anfield, Liverpool fans paid tribute to Paqueta and former striker Danny Ings in a heartwarming show of sportsmanship during the 87th minute. The Anfield faithful honored Paqueta with a well-deserved standing ovation as he left the field, a gesture he graciously acknowledged with a raised hand. Similarly, Liverpool supporters cheered for Ings as he made his way onto the pitch, underscoring their sportsmanlike conduct.
