Trevor Sinclair says Jarrod Bowen was ‘key factor’ in West Ham loss
Trevor Sinclair has claimed the absence of West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen was one of the “key factors” that led to the Hammers defeat in Seville.
David Moyes’ side sustained a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.
Sinclair hailed Antonio for his performance but insisted he could have done with star man Bowen in support.
He said live on air on talkSPORT: “I thought going forward Antonio ran in behind; he was a good link up player.
“I think more than anything they missed Jarrod Bowen with his goals and his threat, his directness and his aggressiveness on the ball.
“He’s got great intensity and I think that was probably one of the key aspects where West Ham didn’t look as sharp going forward in that final third.”
Crunch time
West Ham have found it very difficult to score at the best of times of late, even with Bowen playing.
It is extremely worrying from a Irons perspective the lack of assurance in front of goal with disappointing attacking displays at Southampton and Liverpool continuing against Sevilla.
With that being said, the Spanish side deserve some credit. They have the second-best defensive record in La Liga, only being beaten by Real Madrid and are very hard to beat at home.
You could expect them to be even more defensive with the next tie being at the London Stadium and with them having a lead to defend.
The Hammers fans aren’t used to this type of game at home and they must remain patient at the risk of ruining the tie.
Sevilla will grow in confidence from every moan and groan they hear from the home fans and it will do no favours for the confidence of Moyes team.
This is the biggest game in many years for the Irons and both the players and fans need to be on top form if they any chance of going through.
In other West Ham news, the club face an ‘awkward’ London Stadium clash v Sevilla – Ray Parlour
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