West Ham boss Graham Potter confirmed Lucas Paqueta’s future after his side’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Hammers stormed to their first victory of the season at the City Ground, with Jarrod Bowen, Paqueta and Callum Wilson all getting on the scoresheet.
The victory marks a resounding success for the former Brighton boss, who had endured a rough first few weeks of the season.
But after the win, Potter was keen to deflect any praise onto his players.
Jarrod Bowen got on the scoresheet again for the Hammers | REUTERSSpeaking to the BBC, Potter said: "I have been a manager for 15 years, relatively competent sometimes, but it's the players. It's their day today.
“They've carried out the sea in a really good way. We restricted Forest and carried a threat ourselves.”
Bowen, scorer of the Hammers’ first goal on the day, is a modern-day icon at the club, but this week endured a difficult spell that saw him engage in a verbal altercation with a fan.
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Graham Potter seemed to confirm the future of star midfielder Lucas Paqueta
|BBC
The incident occurred after West Ham’s Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Wolves, who scored two late goals to nick an unlikely 3-2 victory.
Bowen has since apologised for his actions, and Potter defended his captain.
"There is no doubt about Jarrod. We know how much he loves the club, how much he cares,” Potter explained. “He's a fantastic captain. It's great he gets the moment in front of the supporters who love him.”
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Another man on the scoresheet for the Hammers was Paqueta, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium for some years.
Initially, Manchester City held a firm interest, but a move never materialised. A similar situation happened with Newcastle.
In recent days, Aston Villa have emerged as a major contender for the Brazilian’s signature, with reports even going as far as to say that an agreement had been reached.
Lucas Paqueta also appeared to confirm he wanted to stay at the club with his celebration
|REUTERS
However, Paqueta’s goal celebration and Potter’s post-match comments tell a different story.
After neatly slotting away his penalty, the midfielder passionately kissed the rest of the Ham badge, pointing to the floor while appearing to reject a phone call.
And his boss heaped praise on his star midfielder: "The noise has been around Lucas for a long time, and the way he conducts himself is incredible. He gave everything for the team again today and contributed with a goal and the win.
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"Yes [he will stay at the club]. It's what we're here for - to win and prove we have the quality and prove we are a team.
“We can enjoy the next couple of days and prepare when the boys are back."