Nuno Espirito Santo outlines West Ham's Jarrod Bowen hopes ahead of Aston Villa test
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is hopeful a fit Jarrod Bowen can help propel his team away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Bowen has been the Hammers’ best player of a tough season so far and scored a brilliant goal in Sunday’s 1-1 draw away at Brighton.
His team are in the relegation zone and two points adrift of safety ahead of Sunday’s meeting at home to Aston Villa.
“I hope (Bowen) can be involved in every minute because what he gives to the team is huge,” said Nuno.
“He leads by example, but if the situation comes (that he gets injured), I have a group of players who I believe can contribute in the aspect of leadership.”
Espirito Santo said he was hoping for an improve defensive showing for the visit of Unai Emery’s team.
With 29 goals conceded, West Ham have the joint-third worst defensive record in the league.
“We haven’t achieved a clean sheet yet,” he added.
“That is something we need to do. There is improvement. But not total improvement. We still haven’t reached the standard we expect. We are creating chances. It is about finding the balance.
“When I came inside, it was the moment to access. And then identify how we are going to be hard to beat but how are we going to compete. But more important, how are we going to operate as a group.”
