Jarrod Bowen Declares West Ham Victory a “Really Big Turning Point” for the Season

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, speaking to Sky Sports, remarked, “I said we needed a performance before the game and I think we did that. Newcastle always score at home so to keep a clean sheet and score two goals [is good]. It is an atmosphere that you have to control and I think we did that perfectly.” Bowen further explained the team’s approach, stating, “You always are playing to win the games. We know the quality we have and it was a beautiful ball and a beautiful header. Then it was down to us to get the second goal. If you sit on a goal here it can come and haunt you.” He emphasized the improved standard of play: “That was more like the level of what it takes to play for this club – the desire and work-rate from everyone. We have a massive game on Saturday against Arsenal and we need to be consistently winning games on the bounce. This is a start and we can take a lot from the game.” When questioned about a potential lack of belief within the squad, Bowen asserted, “I wouldn’t say it is lacking. The group we have is so good and there is a real togetherness. It’s down to me to show the new players what it means to play for this club. Every player on the pitch understood the assignment. Full credit to our fans for coming up to Newcastle on a Monday night. We need to give them more moments. That was more like us but we have to build on this.” The captain also outlined the club’s aspirations for European football, stating, “We should be pushing for European football every year. We had three years at it and those are the standards and demands of this club. The team has been improved and those are our standards and what we feel we can get to. We haven’t been to those levels but it is not for the want of trying. Qualifying for Europe should be the benchmark.” Regarding the win’s importance for the manager, Bowen responded, “It is for everyone associated with the club. We have been disappointed with our start. We have to take responsibility and do our work and we haven’t done that to a high enough ability this year. This is a really big turning point in our season.” He concluded by discussing the new manager’s impact: “He has come in with different ideas and playing from the back but also mixing it up as well. That’s up to us to adapt to. He has come in with fresh, good ideas – especially for us attacking players. We are getting there.”