Graham Potter has lauded Jarrod Bowen's resilience and response following a challenging week, after West Ham's impressive 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest. The win at the City Ground provided a much-needed boost for the team and eased the pressure on Potter, whose position as West Ham head coach had come under increasing scrutiny following a dismal start to the season.
Bowen had faced the ire of some West Ham supporters after their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Wolves, a loss compounded by consecutive Premier League defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea. However, the West Ham captain responded emphatically, leading his team to a crucial victory. Bowen opened the scoring in the 84th minute with a clever first-time finish, igniting a late surge from the Hammers. Goals from Lucas Paqueta, from the penalty spot, and summer signing Callum Wilson then sealed the win, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
Potter acknowledged the difficult week the team had endured, stating that "Everybody was hurting after the week we've had". He emphasized that the only way to respond to such adversity was to "play well and win," which is exactly what Bowen and the team achieved. Potter highlighted Bowen's "great finish" for his goal, noting his "killer instinct in the box" and the threat he carries when the game opens up. He further added, "There's no doubt Jarrod cares for the club, he cares for the team, he wants to do well personally and you just saw a fantastic reaction from him and the supporters and how much they love each other". Bowen's celebration after the goal, kissing the West Ham badge and sliding on the turf, further exemplified his commitment to the club.
The victory was not only significant for the three points but also for the improved defensive display. Having conceded 11 goals in their previous three outings, West Ham kept a clean sheet against Forest, with goalkeeper Matz Sels kept busier than his counterpart, Mads Hermansen. Potter had switched from a back five to a back four, which helped to keep Forest at bay. In fact, the hosts were unable to register a shot on target in the first half, which witnessed the fewest shots (4) and lowest xG (0.28) in the first half of a Premier League match so far this season.
Potter acknowledged the importance of results in football, stating, "This world is about outcomes and results and our results have been damaging so in the end, there's always noise and criticism". He expressed his belief in his own abilities and experience, asserting, "That's why I'm sat here: because I can do the job. I've done it for 15 years and I believe in myself, I believe in the attributes and qualities I have and I can also deal with the downsides of the game". The win against Nottingham Forest provides a foundation for West Ham to build upon as they look to climb the Premier League table.
Notably, Lucas Paqueta, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, was in the starting lineup and celebrated his goal by kissing the West Ham badge. Potter addressed the speculation surrounding Paqueta's future, stating, "You have to deal with a lot of nonsense in this league and that's the case for every team, especially at this time of the year, but we're looking forward to the window shutting and everything going away a little bit".
