By Anthony Onifade

10th Mar, 2023 | 3:10pm

Jarrod Bowen needs to West Ham United form in crucial run of games or risk being replaced this summer

West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen needs to improve his faltering form over the next few crucial weeks or he could be in danger of losing his spot for next season.

The Irons have endured a disappointing and underwhelming Premier League campaign so far this season and find themselves currently engaged in a needless relegation dogfight.

The Hammers suffered a dismal 4-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend – their 14th league defeat of the season already so far – a result which leaves Moyes’ position as Hammers boss in serious jeopardy.

The Daily Mail reported on 5 March that as it stands, the Irons board still support Moyes and won’t sack him.

With the Hammers now going through a crucial run of games in the coming weeks which will determine their plight at the end of the campaign, Moyes will desperately need his underperforming players to deliver.

And one player currently struggling to match last season’s heights is former Hull City star, Bowen.

The 26-year-old along with many of his teammates have underwhelmed so far this season, scoring just four goals and registering two assists from 25 games, a stark decline from last term’s 12 goals and 10 assists.

Bowen, as a result of his poor form, wasn’t even considered for the England World Cup squad in November, and since then, has struggled to convince Gareth Southgate that he deserves his spot back.

Not only is the jet-heeled winger underperforming in terms of his goal contributions but also significantly recording fewer successful dribbles per game, fewer total duels and having to do more defensive work which is stifling his effect in the attacking third. More significantly, he is underperforming on his expected goals tally of 7.37 [SofaScore].

Whether that’s to do with Moyes’ tactical deficiencies or Bowen’s lack of confidence, it certainly needs to be addressed as the Irons face a crucial run of games.

The former Championship star hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since his double against fellow relegation rivals Everton back in January, and with the club needing some inspiration in the coming weeks, Moyes will be desperately urging arguably his best-attacking outlet to find some form again.

The Hammers will be undergoing much change this summer, and are already scouring the market for attacking targets for the transfer window, being linked with the likes of Reiss Nelson, Brazilian wonderkid Victor Roque, Bristol City’s Alex Scott.

If Bowen’s lack of form continues in the coming weeks, he may well find his spot in the team under serious threat for next season.