West Ham’s season continues to go from bad to worse.
The Hammers fell to yet another defeat on Friday night, beaten 2-1 by newly promoted Leeds United at Elland Road.
Two early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon did the damage, with only a late strike from Matheus Fernandes providing any consolation. The result leaves West Ham 19th in the table with just one win from nine games — their worst start to a league campaign in 52 years.
If Wolves beat Burnley on Sunday, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will drop to the bottom of the Premier League.
So where did it all go wrong again? Jarrod Bowen gave his honest assessment after the match — and revealed the blunt message he delivered to his teammates.
Bowen Gives Damning Assessment of Leeds Display
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Speaking after the game, Bowen — who assisted Fernandes’ goal and was one of the few bright sparks on a miserable night — didn’t hold back.
While he stopped short of criticising the overall effort, he pointed to the manner of West Ham’s defending, which once again cost them dearly.
“I thought we started alright against Brentford on Monday night, and we wanted to do similar here, but the way we defended for their first goal was really, really poor,” he said.
“We nearly got back into it when I had a chance, but then we conceded from a corner again, which is really disappointing.”
West Ham have now conceded 20 goals this season, including nine from corners — more than triple any other side. It’s the most any team has shipped from set-pieces at this stage of a Premier League campaign.
So how do they fix it? Bowen says it comes down to fight and accountability.
“I think the only way that’s going to change is if we as players step up, show some character, roll our sleeves up and get ready for the fight,” he said.
“I’ve told the players that we need to pull our finger out now, because this is the Premier League — and no one’s going to give us anything.”