Bowen Steps Up Amid Antonio’s Absence

Michail Antonio’s absence was acknowledged by West Ham supporters who chanted his name during the ninth minute of the match. It is highly probable that Antonio, and his number nine jersey, will not feature on the pitch for the remainder of the season due to injuries sustained in a car accident just over a week ago. This situation places an increased emphasis on Jarrod Bowen to score the goals necessary to alleviate West Ham’s difficulties. The England international has made significant progress since scoring his first league goal for his local club, Hereford, as a 17-year-old in what is now the National League. Eight appearances at that level were sufficient to convince Hull City to sign Bowen. His winning goal against Wolves a week ago means he has now accumulated 99 goals in the Championship and Premier League, adding to his initial professional goal against Alfreton. Playing in a central role, it was unsurprising that Bowen came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visiting side. After receiving Mohammed Kudus’ through ball, and without immediate support, Bowen displayed considerable intelligence by allowing Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen to run past him, thereby creating the space from which his curling shot clipped the top of the crossbar. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross presented an opportunity for Bowen to spin and unleash a shot that Kepa Arrizabalaga successfully dealt with, the former Chelsea goalkeeper collecting the ball on his second attempt. It was somewhat unexpected that Bowen did not take the penalty when West Ham was eventually awarded one.