Graham Potter lauds ‘fantastic’ West Ham ace ahead of Newcastle clash | OneFootball

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has praised Jarrod Bowen following his ‘fantastic’ performances since returning from a lengthy lay-off.

The Hammers recorded back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since March 2024 when they toppled Arsenal and Leicester City, and Bowen has been key to their late resurgence.

Bowen spent over a month on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury during West Ham’s 5-0 home defeat against Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in December.

He returned ahead of schedule and has scored twice in four games to help Potter’s side put valuable points on the board.

He will be keen to add to his tally when West Ham host Newcastle on Monday night.

“Jarrod’s been fantastic,” Potter said (via whufc.com).

“He’s only human, and when you have a number of weeks off, it’s hard to expect that you’re going to be on your absolute top form in your first game or two back.

“I think he’s contributed to the team in a really good way since coming back, and there’s still room for him to improve, which is really exciting.

“He’s always a huge influence on the team, and to have him on the pitch is massive for us.

“I think he’ll get even better as he continues to build his rhythm with more games and training.”

Bowen has been West Ham’s talisman over the past few years, covering for their longstanding issue of lacking a prolific centre-forward.

Despite his injury woes this season, the England international has returned seven goals and four assists in 23 Premier League games.

He will be brimming with confidence as West Ham strive to extend their winning streak to three Premier League games at Newcastle’s expense.

Recent results have lifted the Hammers 16 points above the drop zone, and Potter will be hoping for a strong finish to the season after a tumultuous start to life with the club.

Stats from Transfermarkt