Declan Rice and Jesse Lingard respond to Jarrod Bowen latest at West Ham
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen took to social media after his team’s 2-1 victory over Wolves to give tribute to Michail Antonio and received responses from two high-profile ex-Irons.
The Hammers faced off against Wolves in a game fans believed could have determined the fate of each manager, depending on the result.
However, goals from Tomas Soucek and Bowen secured a 2-1 victory for Julen Lopetegui’s team at the London Stadium.
Both goalscorers dedicated their celebrations to striker Michail Antonio, who suffered a car crash on Sunday, 8 December. The Englishman is “in stable condition” but has undergone leg surgery that may keep him out for a year [The Guardian].
Soucek, the first goalscorer, shouted Antonio’s name into the camera and held up nine fingers. Whilst Bowen, who scored a brilliant solo goal, celebrated by holding Antonio’s shirt.
The Englishman took to Instagram, captioning his post: “A win that meant so much more. We are all with you” tagging the striker in the post.
Former teammate Declan Rice also commented, saying, “Different class tonight, Jaz. Pleasure to watch”. Jesse Lingard sent his tribute with three love heart emojis.
West Ham face limited managerial options if they give Julen Lopetegui more time
Football Insider opinion
Despite pressure on the Spaniard’s position, Monday’s win has given the coach more time to assess his squad.
Graham Potter emerged as the leading candidate for the role, having attended West Ham’s last two matches before Monday’s game.
This follows Football Insider‘s exclusive report on 5 December that Potter is in advanced talks to replace Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
It seems the Hammers are willing to give the Spaniard time, but they must act fast, as Potter is also a target for Wolves. The West Midlands club are “actively seeking replacements for Gary O’Neil” [The Mail].
The club’s former scout, Mick Brown, exclusively told Football Insider that Lopetegui is now facing the same challenges as David Moyes. Off-field issues appear to be affecting on-field decisions, with players struggling to adapt to the former Real Madrid manager’s style.
West Ham remain 14th in the Premier League after their win against Wolves but are now just six points behind seventh-placed Brighton.
It will come as a surprise to nobody associated with the Irons that Bowen proved to be key in the crunch fixture, and will be all the more crucial without Antonio available.
He has the obvious backing of two prominent former teammates, even if Hammers fans don’t necessarily hold either in such high regard any longer.
In other news, West Ham are showing interest in Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo.
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