By West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie

15th Sep, 2022 | 11:10am

Pundit suggests Jarrod Bowen's 'head turned' in transfer window, explains poor West Ham United form

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…

Frank McAvennie believes Jarrod Bowen “had his head turned” in the transfer window and that explains his poor form for West Ham so far this season.

The Hammers star had his greatest season of his career last season, scoring 18 goals and registering 13 assists in 51 appearances for the club which attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

West Ham stood firm and turned away all suitors, but Bowen has started the season slowly with just two goals in eight games and none in the Premier League so far. McAvennie believes that’s because his head was turned in the window, and expects him to kick on now since the window is shut.

“No, I’m not concerned,” he told West Ham Zone. “I think he’ll settle down now the window is shut.

“I mean, his head must be turned. You know, with Liverpool and so and so, of course his head turned. I think he’s had a slow start, and I don’t know why, I don’t think there’s any difference to the way he’s playing.

“I don’t think there’s any difference with the way the team is playing, so he’ll get that buzz back and that confidence back.

“As I say, now that the window is shut I don’t see a problem. He’ll step up to the mark and hopefully we’ll see that.”

Bowen is likely to start for West Ham against Everton on Sunday but could be rested for the Europa Conference League clash against Silkeborg on Thursday.

It’s expected that he will miss out on the England squad for the upcoming internationals, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho set for recalls for the final get together before the winter World Cup.