By West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie

22nd Oct, 2022 | 10:10am

Pundit backs Jarred Bowen to keep penalty taking duties after miss in West Ham United v Liverpool

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…

Jarrod Bowen should remain on penalty taking duties for West Ham despite his miss at Anfield against Liverpool, says Frank McAvennie.

The England international has seemingly taken over the reigns from captain Declan Rice this season from the spot, scoring twice from penalties.

But when given the opportunity against Liverpool in midweek he saw his effort saved by Alisson Becker, and some questioned if he should have been the man to step up to begin with.

However, despite his miss, McAvennie doesn’t understand the doubts surrounding one of the team’s best goal scorers converting regularly from 12 yards and says he should keep the role until he misses again, when a conversation will need to be had.

“He’s not missed one before has he?” he told West Ham Zone. “Only last night [Wednesday]. That was the first one, wasn’t it?

“When I played there were penalties and if I missed I was itching to get out. Everyone misses one. It’s a situation where I don’t know.

“I’d keep him on them and then if he misses again, it’s something to look at.”

Bowen has scored three more goals this season from open play to take his tally to five in 15 appearances for the Hammers, a tally only bettered by Gianluca Scamacca who has six.

The 25 year old started the season slowly and didn’t feature during the international break for England despite making the squad, but has returned in good form as he pushes to be part of the World Cup squad for the tournament starting next month.

More goals will certainly help him to do that, and scoring from the spot is never a bad thing ahead of an international tournament.