West Ham wows Sky Sports pundit seconds before Bowen goal v Southampton
West Ham United had very little to be pleased about after being held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton on Saturday.
Graham Potter’s side were the favourites going into the game against Southampton at the London Stadium on 19 April, with the visitors already confirmed to be relegated.
However, West Ham’s first-half performance left much to be desired, prompting fans to boo the players off after the first 45 minutes.
The Irons were determined to right the wrongs when they came out for the second half, as Bowen put them in front just two minutes in.
Things, though, went back to as it were after the goal, allowing Lesley Ugochukwu to snatch an equaliser in added time.
Michael Dawson makes ‘amazing’ West Ham claim
Michael Dawson was among those who were unimpressed by West Ham, particularly in the first half.
The Sky Sports pundit expressed his frustration with the Hammers, as they struggled to move the ball quickly and trouble the Saints.
| West Ham | Stat | Southampton |
| 12 | Shots | 15 |
| 4 | Shots on target | 4 |
| 52% | Possession | 48% |
| 478 | Passes | 448 |
| 89% | Pass Accuracy | 87% |
Therefore, it was natural that Dawson was surprised when Bowen’s opener came from a quick counter-attack from Potter’s side.
He said that it was ‘amazing’ that just making fast runs and passing the ball quickly made such a difference for West Ham.
“The West Ham fans will be delighted because they weren’t happy with the first-half performance from their team, but they came out of the blocks”, Dawson said on Sky Sports (19 April).
“Southampton, for the first minute, started the better of the two teams, and they had a corner, whipped the ball in.
“West Ham defended well, it goes to [Lucas] Paqueta just outside the 18-yard box down the left-hand side, he plays it into [Mohammed] Kudus, they break really quick.
“I said in the first half, they were passing the ball too slow. [The ball] goes across to Jarrod Bowen down the right-hand side, he gets into the box, past Ryan Manning.
“What Ryan Manning has to do is show him onto his right foot, he lets him come back on his left foot, and he just puts it in that far corner past Aaron Ramsdale, he has no chance.
“But, it is amazing, if you pass the ball quick and you run fast before everyone gets behind the ball, it makes a difference.
“That’s what West Ham did. Jarrod Bowen gets his ninth Premier League game of the season.”
Jarrod Bowen fires West Ham into the lead! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/JdcA5fx2KH
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 19, 2025
Potter unconvincing at London Stadium
The game against Southampton was a great opportunity for West Ham to gain some momentum, but their performance left much to be desired.
Questions must be asked of Potter for failing to improve the Irons’ playing style, particularly in attack, since taking the reins at the London Stadium in January.
It is worth noting that the East London outfit have won only three of their 14 games under Potter so far.
While the Englishman deserves credit for steering the Hammers away from the danger zone, there is no denying that the results must improve drastically if he wants to get the fans on his side.