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Chelsea 2-1 West Ham: Bowen's return offers hope for struggling Hammers

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United reacts against Chelsea.
All four of Jarrod Bowen's most recent Premier League goals have put West Ham in the lead [Getty Images]

The 2-1 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday was West Ham's fourth defeat in their past six Premier League games - as many as in their prior 13 games in the competition.

But head coach Graham Potter will hope the return of Jarrod Bowen will help turn the fortunes around for the struggling Hammers.

Bowen, who made his first appearance after fracturing his foot in a 5-0 home defeat to leaders Liverpool on 29 December, marked his return with a goal that pulled his side ahead in the first half.

Despite missing four league games during that period, he is still their top scorer with six goals and has a further four assists in his bag this season.

Tomas Soucek, with five goals, and Lucas Paqueta, who missed the trip to Chelsea with a groin injury, with four are behind the England international.

With the Hammers also struggling with the absence of attackers Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, the return of Bowen could give Potter's side a much-needed boost as they look to reverse their dip in form.

They will host Brentford on Saturday followed by a trip to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.

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[BBC]