BBC pundit issues verdict on Lucas Paqueta display as West Ham beat Luton Town

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BBC Sport pundit Nathan Jones has praised Lucas Paqueta after his ‘wonderful’ assist for Jarrod Bowen to break the deadlock as West Ham United won 2-1 at Luton Town.

The Irons moved atop the Premier League table on Friday with their narrow win away to the Hatters. Bowen (37’) and Kurt Zouma (85’) gave West Ham a relaxing lead but Luton Town scored with their first shot on target. Mads Andersen (92’) headed in to set up a nervy end.

West Ham dominated much of the first half as Kenilworth Road hosted top-flight football for the first time since 1992. Paqueta eventually prised open the home defence enough to clear Bowen to score nearing the break. The winger headed home the Brazilian’s inviting delivery.

Lucas Paqueta helps inspire West Ham’s win at Luton Town

Paqueta floated a teasing cross into the six-yard box after Luton Town left the 26-year-old in space just outside the area. Bowen read the flight of the cross to perfection to meet it at the rear post. But Thomas Kaminski will feel he could have done more to keep Bowen’s shot out.

The winger’s header fell at Kaminski’s feet but the goalkeeper could not react in time to stop it nestling home. He was also helpless to prevent Zouma from later doubling the Irons’ lead. The centre-back buried his header home after a precise, late corner by James Ward-Prowse.

Nathan Jones adored Lucas Paqueta’s creativity

Paqueta now has one goal and one assist for the Premier League season so far after helping West Ham beat Luton Town. The 42-cap Brazil international had scored to help the Irons pip Chelsea 3-1 at London Stadium in matchweek two. He struck their third in the 95th minute.

David Moyes has further started Paqueta in all four of West Ham’s fixtures this term and has handed him all but five minutes. The playmaker started 27 of his 28 appearances last season for four goals and three assists. And ex-Luton Town boss Jones adored Paqueta’s creativity.

“West Ham started to gain control and had a couple of half chances when they could have done better and that is a wonderful, wonderful ball from Paqueta,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.