When Jarrod Bowen arrived at the London Stadium on transfer deadline day in January, the Hammers were in dire straits. As he came on to make his debut against Manchester City, the Irons were in the relegation zone, where they would remain until his first goal for the club in a much needed 3-1 over Southampton, which lifted West Ham out of the bottom three.
They have not returned to the relegation zone since, and the 23-year-old’s influence has been a decisive factor in making sure David Moyes’ side beat Chelsea, when he registered two assists, ensuring a three-point cushion to the drop zone.
Hammers supporters have been having their say on the Englishman’s first six months at the London Stadium, and it hasn’t taken long for most to be convinced of his quality.
Jarrod Bowen has been fouled 1.4 times per 90 minutes this season, more than any other West Ham player.
He’s also averaged 1.3 key passes per game, ranking third in the squad despite only arriving at the club in January.
What are your thoughts on him? pic.twitter.com/wk6V1jsaDV
— Dan Woffenden (@danwoff98) July 15, 2020
Some fans believe the 23-year-old recruit ticked all the boxes of what the Hammers required to get themselves out of trouble. While he did lack much Premier League experience, Bowen was a proven goalscorer in the Championship firing in 52 strikes for Hull City.
A rare West Ham signing. The right age, still improving, delivering something we need *now* and consistently plays well. I really like him.
— Paul Skelton (@ps7even) July 15, 2020
For once we bought a player in a position we actually needed, and a good one at that. And then, who would have thought, we done it again with Sousek. Without those 2 we’d be down. Very happy with those two.
— Martin Blow (@Blowmonkey1) July 15, 2020
Many supporters also mentioned fellow January arrival Tomas Soucek, who has become a vitally important player at the London Stadium. The duo has won most fans over with their industrious displays for the Hammers in the midfield, and together the pair have made 20 appearances since arriving.
One of our most important players alongside Rice, Og and Soucek. Superb signing although he’s only got 1 goal always looks a threat going forward. If we stay up will become a vital player for us.
— Jack Miles (@Jack_Miles) July 15, 2020
Others have noticed how Hull City are struggling to retain the Championship status since selling Bowen, in the first half of the season alone he had notched 16 of their 57 goals. The Tigres are currently in the bottom three, but their loss has been the Hammers’ gain and could make a telling contribution in keeping the Irons afloat.
Looking at hulls results since he left shows his importance to them and he’s starting to prove his worth to us. Also shows moyes blueprint about young, British players could be very worthwhile
— Niall Tasker (@tiskyboo) July 15, 2020
Meanwhile, an abundance of fans were quick to praise the Englishman’s work ethic since arriving in London and wouldn’t mind if there were more of him available to David Moyes.
Hard worker..good ethics to do well. Puts in the effort. Clone him pls
— Claret and Blue⚒ (@Dave83238635) July 15, 2020
In the Premier League Bowen is yet to recreate his blistering goalscoring form, having found the back of the net once. Supporters did suggest he might need to score more frequently to avoid taking a knock to his confidence, so he can continue developing.
I like him, at the moment his enthusiasm and work ethic is shining through. I can potentially see him dropping off a bit if he doesn’t get a few more goals soon though. A couple of goals will give him the confidence to kick on and establish himself as a prem league player.
— Ross Jenkins (@Rosstafer) July 16, 2020
Not everyone was convinced by his displays in claret and blue though, with some supporters yet to be convinced by the January arrival, though if he can continue his performances which have seen him average match rating of seven out of ten, they may yet come around.
Bang average – that said he runs himself into the ground for the team.
— Richard Finnegan (@thesaturdayman) July 15, 2020