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Jarrod Bowen has issued a rallying cry to West Ham supporters ahead of their home clash with Chelsea this evening.
The attacker was the only real bright spark for the club last weekend as they opened the season away at Sunderland in what was a serious disappointment.
The Hammers were well beaten convincingly by the newly promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in a 3-0 drubbing to stun Graham Potter’s side.
Goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor sealed all three points for the Black Cats but they also had fans of the Irons worried as to how their season might pan out.
They now take on Chelsea at the London Stadium for the first home fixture of the new calendar and club captain Bowen has thanked punters for their support before the game.
Jarrod Bowen urges West Ham fans to get behind club
It is all set to be a sold out game and the 28-year-old has urged every punter in attendance to let their voices be heard and roar the team to success if they can.
Speaking to the club’s website, Bowen made a rousing appeal.
He said: “As West Ham United captain, I am proud to wear the armband and lead your Club, and I’ll be giving everything again this season to have a successful one, on and off the pitch.
“As you might know, I married into a big West Ham family in the summer and my wife, her Dad and all the Dyers remind me every day what a big honour and responsibility I have got.
“I knew that already, though, having been here for nearly six years and played my part in some incredible moments for this Football Club.
“We’ve had some downs but, as I always say, they make the highs all the sweeter when they come around – and we’ve certainly had some amazing highs in my time with West Ham United.
“Those moments are all the more special when we share them with you, our fantastic supporters, who have been there through every moment and share all the emotions with us players.”
West Ham’s start to the season vs Chelsea’s
Bowen continued: “We are at home on Friday and, for me, that’s a big advantage. The noise you create at London Stadium is incredible. It really does make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up on end every time I hear ‘Bubbles’ and the roar of the crowd at the end of it.
“We want to share another high with you on Friday night, and again and again through the season, and we’ll be doing everything we can to give you plenty of moments to celebrate and enjoy.
“So, let’s go to London Stadium and show the world what West Ham United is all about – strong, together, proud and loud!”
West Ham’s visitors, Chelsea did not exactly set the heather alight in their own first match of the season.
The Blues drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge and could even have lost had Arsenal-bound Eberechi Eze‘s free-kick not controversially been ruled out.
