West Ham United concluded their Premier League Summer Series with a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth in Atlanta. Jarrod Bowen, the team’s captain, played a crucial role by scoring in the second half and assisting Niclas Fullkrug’s opening goal in the 24th minute.
Despite a challenging 2024-25 season, Bowen emphasised the strong unity within Graham Potter’s squad.
Bowen expressed his satisfaction with the team’s camaraderie, stating: “One of the main things we wanted to improve going into pre-season this year was the feeling around the place, and I think you can see the impact the improvements having. Sometimes long trips away can be tough, with people flagging towards the end, but I havent seen any of that this summer, in Germany or in the USA. Thats really positive, because I think were all working really hard, but also enjoying ourselves and being together.”
The England international highlighted how important it is for players to feel comfortable and perform at their best during training. He said: “Ultimately, we want everyone to be themselves when they come into training. We want them to give the best versions of themselves, but also to feel comfortable as well, because were going into a high-pressure environment every single weekend. Its something that both the manager, and me as captain, are really keen on.”
Bowen further elaborated on team dynamics by saying: “Some people might think it sounds silly, but I think you can see that vibe on the pitch as well. It means youre a team of brothers going to war together, and it means you know youre all doing battle together.” This sense of brotherhood is evident in their performances.
New signing El Hadji Malick Diouf made a significant impact against Bournemouth. Playing down the left flank, he created two chances and assisted Bowen’s goal while delivering four crosses. Bowen praised Diouf’s contributions: “You just trust his quality, and know that its likely to be a perfect cross.” He added that Diouf has quickly integrated into the team due to his humility and hard work.
The Hammers are set to begin their new Premier League season with an away match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. This will mark their first visit there in eight years. The team looks forward to building on their pre-season success as they face upcoming challenges.
Bowen’s performance last season was noteworthy as he scored 13 goals in league matches. His leadership is pivotal for West Ham as they aim for success in future competitions. The team hopes to continue this momentum into their upcoming fixtures.