What a 2023 it has been for Jarrod Bowen.
Goals, trophies, England caps and, on a personal level, the joy of welcoming his first children into the world.
Having scored his 13th goal of the season in all competitions in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, the 27-year-old was in a reflective mood following the match.
In fine form, Bowen is looking forward to enjoying Christmas with his young family, and took the opportunity to wish the Claret and Blue Army happy holidays…
Beating Manchester United is a fantastic way to sign things off at London Stadium in 2023...
“It’s a really good win and a really good performance. We had the disappointment at Liverpool so coming into this game, it was massively important we bounced back. It took us a bit of time to get the goal but I thought that was going to be the case.
“It was two really good sides going at it and the first goal was always going to be crucial. Thankfully for us, we’re the ones who got it, and it was followed by Mohammed Kudus' beautiful goal to make things a bit more comfortable.”
That’s eleven Premier League goals for you, and 13 for the season now…
“I just want to get in the positions and hopefully things will keep falling for me. One thing I’m trying to improve on is make the chances for myself and write my own luck. If you don’t make that run then you don’t get that chance. Lucas Paquetá played a beautiful ball and I’m not taking anything away from it, but you have to be in there to take those opportunities.”
The boss made a tactical shift too with yourself going back out on the right and Kudus coming in more centrally…
“We’re really flexible in the positions we can play, if it’s me, Mo and Lucas playing. There were times when I was out on the left and Mo was up front, then Lucas was up front. If the opposition are starting to feel like they’ve got your number then you can change positions and change personnel around.
"We changed it and, a few minutes later, we got the goal. It was a really good tactical switch. We got two really good goals but I think the win was really important. We knew we could take points out of Manchester United and we did that.”
We’ve got 30 points before Christmas. How proud are you of where we’re at this season, overall?
“There has been a bit of disappointment with some of the games but ultimately, we’re sixth in the league and we’re in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League. We’ve got the FA Cup to come as well. It has not been a bad season at all.
“There have been times when we know we can play better and be better, but we’re winning games. That’s probably the difference from last season. We played okay against Manchester United, stepped it up, and got a 2-0 win. The main thing is winning games. We’re in a business where we have to win, and this was one of those matches. We’ve done that.
“We’ve got Arsenal away next and, if you want to be in the top six or even the top four, then you need to go into games like that looking to get points.”
What a massive 12 months it has been for you too, on a professional and personal level…
“I’m very open and honest about everything. If someone has got something to say, whether it’s a criticism or praise, I’ll listen to them and take it. When things are going well then it has to be the same level of praise that it was as criticism.
"I’m not one to hide away. I’ll always face up. I’ve had bigger setbacks in my life and I’ve had worse people say worse things. I’m just enjoying my football and being a part of this team. My goal is helping us moving up the table and that will always be me. I just want to be honest about everything and I want to continue to be honest.”
Finally Jarrod, a first Christmas as a father for you. What are the plans for Christmas Day?
“I don’t know what I’m getting the little ones, they’re seven months old! They were at the Manchester United game and, reflecting on the year, it’s been a really top year for me. It was my first birthday as a dad a few days ago, and now it’s my first Christmas as a dad. I’m really looking forward to it.
“Sometimes, as much as you want to put football to one side and family to the other side, games like the Manchester United one let you go home and have a happy Bowen and happy Dyer household. It’s going to be a great few days. Merry Christmas everyone!”
