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On the days when a talismanic presence falls short of his usual high standards – as Jarrod Bowen did during West Ham United’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace – there is often a pretty simple explanation.
If Bowen was ‘back at his brilliant assist’ against Wolves – two assists in that 4-0 thrashing – Monday’s Selhurst Park stalemate saw a sizeable drop-off from the captain and most of his West Ham United teammates.
Bowen was largely anonymous at Crystal Palace. He recorded only one shot and produced only one key pass. Jarrod Bowen is also nine Premier League games without a goal, albeit six assists in that time means only the harshest of critics would call it a ‘drought’.
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Credit: Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
The post-match mood of HammersNews readers, though, was one of understanding and forgiveness. Bowen simply found himself up against an imperious left-sided pairing of Tyrick Mitchell and the outstanding Jaydee Canvot.
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A £23 million signing from Toulouse, Canvot has made colossal strides since a certain England international departed in January. Marc who?
Sometimes, a poor performance can be explained away by the quality of the opposition.
In fact, the greatest frustration among West Ham fans – discussing and dissecting 90 tense minutes on our Facebook page – is that Nuno did not introduce the human wrecking ball that is Adama Traore.
Photo by Henry Nicholls / AFP via Getty Images
“Palace have some big, strong players and Bowen was out-muscled. Nuno should have seen that and put Adama on for the second half,” one fan writes.
“The Palace defender was a better player than Bowen on the day. Simple as that…” another agrees, while one wonders if Nuno should have also replaced Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“Bowen looks at his best when he stays wide and links with Wan-Bissaka. They need to get back to that format.”
“I would have liked Nuno to have swapped Bowen and [Crysencio] Summerville over for the start of the second-half, just to see how Palace would have coped.”
“I think Bowen was playing with an injury, definitely not his usual self. Anyone being negative about last night need to bear in mind Palace’s home record. Selhurst Park is a very intimidating place to go, for the players and the fans.”
“That Palace defender had Bowen in his pocket. He looked knackered as well.”
“They marked him like no one’s business. They controlled our dangerman.”
“To be fair, Jarrod was kept in check by Canvot. He was just too strong for Jarrod.”
“Everyone has their off-days. In all fairness, Palace defended really well. We were unlucky not to come away with all three points. But we go again Saturday [against Everton]!”
“Having been there, Bowen was his usual 100 per cent effort, but Palace knew he was a danger and man-marked him better than a lot of teams have. Another point, so let’s keep going!”
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Adama in? Wilson for Pablo, perhaps?
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images Bowen was marked out the game at Selhurst Park
Adama Traore did not even get off the bench in South London, despite West Ham looking like a team in need of an injection of pace and physicality towards the end. The January signing has only played 12 of a possible 180 minutes since his Man of the Match display against Leeds in the FA Cup.
“If ever there was a game made for Adama, this was it!” one fan argues.
“Bowen and Summerville needed to be replaced 65, 70 minutes in. We needed fresh legs and power. The game was screaming out for Adama. Would have let Wan-Bissaka have a crack at his former club too. But what do I know?”
“Was expecting Adama for Bowen around the 65 minute mark. [Nuno] missed a trick for added pace and strength, maybe?”
“It’s not all on Bowen. A draw is better than a defeat. Either team could have nicked it. Clean sheet at least. Everton will be tough, but the boys will be up for it! COYI!”
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