Bowen gave an in-house interview on Monday (West Ham United FC, 17 March) in which he claimed performances have “definitely improved” since Potter succeeded the hapless Julen Lopetegui back in January.
However, the Hammers headed back south dejected after conceding a late equaliser having led at Goodison Park against Everton on Saturday (15 March).
Darke discusses disappointment amid Bowen claim
West Ham must finish this season by scooping plenty of points and providing a “launchpad” for Potter into next season, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator and football analysis expert, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, says the Irons are ending a campaign which carried so much expectation in a “vacuum”.
Darke explained that Potter and his squad, who have lost just one of their last four and kept two impressive clean sheets in the group of results, must continue to back Bowen’s claim.
“West Ham are safe, finishing the season in a bit of a vacuum to be honest. They’ll want to finish with a flourish,” he said.
“Jarrod Bowen said he feels as if the team are performing better now. But to concede and lose the win in the manner they did at Everton on Saturday was disappointing for them and would be for anyone
“They led for a fair chunk of the game. It’s disappointing but not the end of the world. I think the thing for West Ham now is just to use the end of this season as a launchpad for next season by getting as many points as possible.”
Lopetegui stats outrank Potter at West Ham
While it is early days, Lopetegui actually accumulated a better win percentage and superior defeat avoidance percentage in his 22-game stint than Potter has in his 10 games thus far.
The experienced Spaniard, sacked after getting nowhere with a squad which had seen over £100million invested into it last summer, won 31.82 per cent of his matches in charge, losing just over 45 per cent.
Potter has a 30 per cent win rate, and has lost half his matches in charge – albeit while coming up against Arsenal, who they overcame, as well as former side Chelsea and two games against Aston Villa across league and cup.
West Ham head coaches 2024-25PLDWDLWin %Julen Lopetegui22751031.82Graham Potter1032530Potter replaced Lopetegui in the winter
The key aspect for West Ham fans and the board is that Potter has a much higher ceiling with this squad in English football than that of his predecessor.
Bowen is a respected figure and skipper at the London Stadium, and his comments – despite the unfavourable but limited statistical output so far – will resonate with the majority at West Ham, with a blank canvas for plenty more improvement.
