James Ward-Prowse has called on his West Ham United teammates to bounce back from Sunday’s late disappointment against Sheffield United, as attentions turn to a home clash against AFC Bournemouth on Thursday week.
The England midfielder looked to have clinched all three points for the Hammers when he notched his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot eleven minutes from time, after Ben Brereton Díaz had cancelled out Maxwel Cornet’s opener.
But late drama was to ensue at Bramall Lane, with Rhian Brewster and Vladimír Coufal being sent-off in the dying stages before home substitute Oli McBurnie ensured the spoils were shared with virtually the last kick of the game from 12 yards.
While the 2-2 draw stretched the Irons’ unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games, Ward-Prowse admitted they should have seen out the victory, and he is hoping for a return to winning ways back on home soil next time out.
“If we’re honest, we didn’t play at the levels we know we can, and we didn’t do enough to win the game,” the 29-year-old said. “We’re in the top six and trying to push towards the top of the table, so we’re disappointed with our overall performance.
“At times we kept possession well and we created chances, but we lacked a bit of control and at times it turned into a bit of a basketball match. It was a bit end-to-end, and we didn’t stamp our authority or show enough swagger with the ball.
“Then, we needed to manage the game in the right way. We were ahead and they went down to ten men, so for us to also get a red card and then concede in the way we did is frustrating.
“It was a crazy few minutes, but we know that’s the sort of thing that can happen in the Premier League. We all know we can do better, and now it’s up to us to respond in the right way on the training pitch, and then ultimately back at home against Bournemouth.”
