Jarrod Bowen believes West Ham United’s battling 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur showcased their resilience and kept their European aspirations alive.
The Hammers bounced back from a disappointing weekend defeat with a much-needed point against their London rivals. While acknowledging the missed early chance, Bowen praised the team’s defensive solidity and fighting spirit against a top side.
“That’s what we needed,” said Bowen. “We were much tougher tonight and kept the ball out of our net. To a man, I thought we fought excellently.”
The draw holds significant weight for West Ham‘s European ambitions. With their upcoming fixtures featuring teams below them in the table, Bowen emphasised that qualification is within their grasp.
“It’s in our own hands,” he declared. “We can take charge of our own destiny. If we want to be in Europe, then we need to go out there and perform and win the games.”
The match saw Bowen register his 28th goal involvement of the season, surpassing Dimitri Payet’s record and reaching the highest mark since John Hartson in 1997-98. The 27-year-old forward remains hungry for more, setting his sights on breaking the 20-goal barrier.
“I just want to keep on doing what I’m doing,” said Bowen. “Being consistent and getting goals and assists is all I can do.”
With a crucial clash against Wolves on the horizon, Bowen emphasised the need for a winning mentality. He acknowledged the tough remaining fixtures but believes West Ham can secure European qualification.
“We go to Wolves on Saturday who are also fighting for European places,” he said. “This coming Saturday we [need to] go there and win the game. That’s the mindset we need to have.”
West Ham’s performance against Tottenham and their upcoming schedule offer a glimmer of hope. As Bowen suggests, their European fate rests on their own shoulders, and a strong finish to the season is essential to securing a historic fourth consecutive European campaign