Jarrod Bowen’s Rangers reaction included an honest warning that West Ham must improve before their Championship campaign begins.
The captain admitted the Hammers were too slow and careless during parts of Sunday’s goalless pre-season draw at Ibrox.
West Ham faced a Rangers side only five days away from starting their Scottish Premiership season. Almost 50,000 supporters attended, including around 2,600 travelling Hammers fans.
Bowen believes the atmosphere and intensity provided West Ham with their closest experience yet to a competitive match.
However, he acknowledged that Nuno Espírito Santo’s team failed to reach the required level consistently.
Jarrod Bowen Rangers reaction sends improvement message
“There were times where we were a little bit sloppy, a little bit slow,” Bowen told West Ham’s official website.
Rangers created the better opportunities after winning possession in dangerous areas. Mads Hermansen made several important saves as West Ham struggled to connect midfield and attack.
Those weaknesses were also highlighted in ReadWestHam’s analysis of three lessons from the Rangers draw, which identified the lack of midfield control and attacking pace.
Bowen still found encouragement in the involvement of West Ham’s younger players. Mohamadou Kanté and Keiber Lamadrid gained further senior minutes, while George Earthy, Lewis Orford, Freddie Potts and Josh Ajala entered during the second half.
The captain stressed that Nuno needs “hungry players” who are prepared to compete and fight throughout a demanding Championship season.
West Ham conclude their pre-season schedule against Magdeburg before facing Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup.
The Jarrod Bowen Rangers reaction reflected a squad still developing after relegation. West Ham have time to sharpen their play, but Bowen knows the mistakes seen at Ibrox cannot continue once competitive football begins.
