“We’re in trouble now” — Jarrod Bowen’s blunt wake-up call to his West Ham United team
The message from skipper Jarrod Bowen could not have been clearer: after a disastrous 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road, he publicly laid bare the crisis engulfing West Ham. “You have to face the reality of where we are: second-bottom and we’re in trouble now,” he said, leaving little doubt about the severity of the situation. (TNT Sports)
A season slipping out of control
West Ham’s start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign has been nightmarish. With just four points from nine games, it is their worst top-flight start in over 50 years. (Reuters) The Leeds defeat marked the latest collapse: two quick first-half goals and little effective reaction. (The Guardian)
Bowen minced no words in identifying the problems. “The only way this is going to change is if players step up, roll their sleeves up and get ready for the fight,” he claimed. “We’re not playing well and we’re not getting results. We’re the only ones that can change it.” (The Leeds Press)
Where did it go wrong?
Several clear issues emerged against Leeds and earlier in the season:
- Defensive frailty: The first goal was conceded early, and the second came from a set-piece—again highlighting West Ham’s recurring mess at corners. Bowen called it “really, really poor”. (The Leeds Press)
- Lack of bravery and effort: The captain said: “It’s just not brave enough, not doing the jobs good enough until the end.” (TNT Sports)
- Low morale: In the dressing-room too, the mood is bleak. Bowen acknowledged the atmosphere: “When you’re second-bottom of the league and won one game all season … the dressing room … is low.” (Sky Sports)
- Managerial pressure: New boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains winless in his first four league games at the club and warned that time could become an adversary if nothing changes quickly. (Reuters)
The warning lights are flashing
Bowen’s appeal wasn’t the usual half-hearted post-match interview. This was a direct challenge to his teammates and a public call to arms. “This is the Premier League, and we need to really pull our finger out,” he said. (Sky Sports)
It’s significant because this is a player – and captain – publicly demanding more from his colleagues rather than just lamenting the performance. That level of frustration speaks volumes about the urgency within the squad.
What needs to happen now
Given the scale of the slide, several actions feel inevitable:
- Immediate accountability – Players must own their roles and double down mentally and physically.
- Simplify and stabilise – Nuno must fix the defensive structure, especially from set-pieces (a glaring weakness).
- Build fight and resilience – More than aesthetic football, West Ham need grit and results now. Bowen referenced “ugly” wins being acceptable because you get points. (The Leeds Press)
- Communicate with fans – The trust of supporters is eroding; visible determination could help regain some of that faith.
- Short-term scoreboard focus – With relegation talk already audible, points are more critical than style at this juncture.
Final thought
Bowen’s verdict – “we’re in trouble now” – is harsh, but justified. With the club second from bottom, results poor and performances worse, the alarm bells are ringing. What’s required isn’t just an improved performance, but a complete shift in mindset. The question is: will the squad respond in time, or will the season slip away before they truly wake up?
