Bowen: “It’s a massive mental thing”

 Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Jarrod Bowen was one of the few players to do himself justice against Arsenal and could hardly be more disappointed at losing another game – the fourth Premier League clash on the trot.

Bowen was responsible for winning the penalty which saw us score the first goal of the match before Arsenal stormed back after the break to win going away as they say in horse racing.

The No 20 was and there was little doubt the Hammers deserved the spot kick when he was caught from behind but made all attempts to stay on his feet before going down,

He was looking to be recapturing his form in the three friendlies but sadly was one of the very few to take that into the first premier League game after the World Cup break,

This he was incredibly frustrated in his post match interview making it clear that it was now down to the players to react quickly.

He said: “It is down to us now. We made it too easy for them to come back into the game.

We’ve come away to a top team and we got ourselves ahead at half-time, and we had to withstand a lot of pressure, and obviously we expect that, but I think the way we conceded the goals is disappointing from us.

“After [their first goal], they dominated. We should have been a bit more resilient in that spell.

“But it’s down to us players now, no heads down, and keep working. We have had difficult times before, and we have got through it.

It is a massive mental thing more than anything. We have to keep believing in the ability in the squad. Yes, we are all disappointed, but when you fall below those standards [we have set over the last two years] you pay the price.

“Where we are now is where we have to face up to as players. You have to puff your chest out and go again. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We need to go again and keep pushing.

“These fans are the best in the league – and they are going to be disappointed, with the situation, especially after the success that we have had.

“But the main thing is that the fans are part of that spirit, and I know they will create a good atmosphere [on Friday]. And it is down to us as players to create a good atmosphere, it is down to us to give the fans a positive performance on the pitch.”

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon