In Focus: Hammers need Bowen at his best in crucial run-in

West Ham are closing in on Europa Conference League glory — and Jarrod Bowen's return to form offers a huge boost to their prospects.

The former Hull ace has, by his own admission, struggled at times this campaign and was heartbroken to be omitted from Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.

But a fantastic equaliser against Arsenal last weekend was the latest example of the 26-year-old getting back to the heights that earned him four Three Lions caps last year.

As the Hammers prepare to host Belgian side Gent this evening in a quarter-final tie finely poised at 1-1, we put Bowen's recent renaissance under the microscope.

Exceeding expectations

It was quite a feat for Bowen to force his way into an England squad brimming with attacking talent last summer.

However, the winger's call-up was fully merited. In 2021-22, he notched 12 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League — with only Mohamed Salah and Mason Mount also reaching double figures in both metrics.

Bowen was no flat-track bully either, with highlights including a brilliant brace against champions Manchester City as well as strikes against Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

He also starred in the Hammers' unlikely run to the Europa League semi-final, bagging both home and away against Lyon in a memorable quarter-final triumph.

Southgate saw fit to call up Bowen for England's Nations League qualifiers in June.

Although results were bitterly disappointing overall, Bowen featured in all four games and was one of his nation's better performers. 

Tough to follow

Heading into this campaign, Bowen had a real chance of making England's World Cup squad but his performance levels dipped significantly in the season's early months.

Though he insists he is now back to his best, the forward confessed to West Ham's website after Sunday's draw with Arsenal that he had put too much pressure on himself ahead of Qatar 2022.

Bowen explained: "I think there has been a proper weight lifted off my shoulders. 

"I've spoken about it before that I wasn't happy with my performances before the World Cup when there was a lot riding on them and now I feel free again.

"It's about how I deal with those situations differently and I feel good since we've been back [after the World Cup] and today, to get the goal, I was over the moon."

Numbers game

Bowen's belief that he has hit top form since the Premier League's resumption is backed up by the stats.

Since Boxing Day, he ranks among the top 10 forwards in the division for several key metrics, including take-ons completed (seventh), chances created (eighth) and possessions won in the attacking third (second).

Those numbers have perhaps been overlooked given his modest output of goals and assists — though his volley against the Gunners was his fifth direct goal involvement in his last six outings across all competitions.

Bowen's improvement has been timely, as the Irons have edged themselves away from the Premier League drop zone, now four points clear of danger in 15th place.

High standards

David Moyes is delighted with Bowen's recent efforts but is still demanding even more from his No20.

The Scot said: "Overall, I think Jarrod seems to be the one that's making chances. What we've missed a little bit is his goals.

"[Against Arsenal] he gets on the end of one and finishes it, which is great and what he wants to do. 

"Hopefully if he can add another half a dozen goals between now and the end of the season, that’d be great."

Bowen will hope to begin chasing down that ambitious target against Gent this evening.