West Ham United solve striker problem already after Jarrod Bowen display v Arsenal
West Ham may have already found the solution to their ongoing striker problem, with Jarrod Bowen’s performance against Arsenal proving he can do the job.
Bowen started up front, with Mohammed Kudus on the right and Said Benrahma on the left, as David Moyes finally moved Michail Antonio to the bench after his struggles in front of goal lately.
The form of Antonio and second-choice striker Danny Ings has been a concern for West Ham this season, with a combined two goals in 23 appearances so far this season, but they may have found the answer.
Bowen’s new role from the start against Arsenal may have proved to Moyes that he can be the first-choice striker for the long-term future at the London Stadium, which would also allow Kudus more game-time on the right-hand side.
The first standout feature of Bowen’s performance was simply that he scored, something his teammates have struggled to do this season. On top of that, though, he recorded two shots on target, completed two dribbles and even his big chance missed proves he was getting into the right areas. [Sofascore]
We know Moyes likes his strikers to have a physical presence and contribute to the team’s overall game as well, and Bowen certainly did that. He drew three fouls, attempted four crosses, won ten duels and even made four tackles in a complete all-round game.
Looking at his average position and touch map, Bowen was busy all over the pitch to help his side out but also provided the threat up front that has been lacking from Antonio especially, in a display which surely would have impressed his boss.
The Athletic [29 September] reported that Moyes was working with Bowen on becoming a more central striker, and those training sessions are beginning to pay off, with a new role for the England international now a long-term option.
In other West Ham news, the club have already moved for a new midfielder.