Bowen stuns after what ‘excellent’ West Ham star did in first half v Brighton
Sue Smith was amazed by Jarrod Bowen as the West Ham captain excelled in a highly-contested first half against Brighton on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was the Hammers’ biggest influence in the final third, threatening Bart Verbruggen’s goal on multiple occasions, but Julen Lopetegui’s side were not able to find the back of the net.
Despite this, Bowen still earned praise from those in the Sky Sports studio, watching the winger star at the London Stadium on 21 December, which was much needed as striker Niclas Fullkrug went invisible.
Speaking live via Sky Sports [21 December, 3:20pm], Smith said: “West Ham have been the better of the two sides. Bowen has been excellent, stretching the play and getting in behind.
“Bowen, a couple of times, has been provided some really dangerous deliveries to the back-post.”
Jarrod Bowen unsurprisingly stars in goalless first-half in West Ham v Brighton
Even when the Hammers have been at their worst this season, Bowen has been there to dig his teammates out of a big hole, just like any club captain should.
He had notched four goals and four assists in 16 matches before facing the Seagulls, and while he was denied in the first half, the Hammers are likely to score if he remains on the same trend.
Fullkrug, on the other hand, looks to be somewhat of a hindrance for the Hammers. The German has been unable to get involved, with the team clearly needing more pace in attack.
Bowen can only do so much to carry Lopetegui’s attack, with Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta doing little to help in the final third, with the winger also taking set-pieces.
Supporters will not be surprised to see their captain at the end of even more praise, but unless they can capitalise on the chances being made, it will all be for nothing against the Seagulls.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have opened discussions to finalise a pre-agreed permanent transfer.
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