Former West Ham United stars Carlton Cole and Joe Cole were not impressed by Emerson Palmieri’s ‘lazy’ defending during the first half of Thursday’s 4-1 UEFA Conference League victory over Gent at the London Stadium.
Yes, it was Lucas Paqueta who gave the ball away in the build up to Hugo Cuypers’ 26th minute opener. But, as far as two West Ham icons are concerned, the greater scrutiny surrounds the role of Emerson in a goal probably best described as ‘avoidable’.
The Italy international stood idly by as the visiting right-back merely wandered past him before setting up Cuypers to fire past Alphonse Areola, giving Gent a lead which briefly threatened to blow out West Ham’s European candle.
West Ham recover to beat Gent 4-1 in Conference League
“This lad is an outstanding footballer going forward,” Joe Cole tells BT Sport (20 April, 9pm). “Nut coaches up and down the country will be going crazy at this goal. It’s about doing the right things, getting back into position.
“As soon as (Paqueta gives the ball away) he needs to be – ‘Bang’ – get in there. Get into that position. It’s a counter-attack, you get back in to defend. There’s no excuses. He can see him. He’s not come from his blind side.
“It is just a basic error which costs West Ham.”
Namesake Carlton, however, took his criticism one step further.
“I wouldn’t even say it’s an error. It’d say its laziness,” argues the former England international. “It’s lazy. He can see what’s happening, he can see it unfold. It’s in front of him. He’s seen the player run by him. You’ve got to protect your midfield but he hasn’t.”
In Emerson’s defence, the 28-year-old was a big part of a much-improved second half at the London Stadium. Arguably the best 45 minutes of West Ham’s entire season.
Michail Antonio cancelled out Cuypers’ opener following an outstanding Jarrod Bowen free-kick before Paqueta fired home a penalty and Declan Rice channelled his inner-Yaya Toure with a remarkable solo effort. Antonio then capped a surging comeback with his fifth goal in six Conference League games, thus setting up a semi-final clash with Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar.
Emerson, however, cannot afford more lapses in concentration like this against an AZ side who’s best work usually comes from the wide areas.
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