Jarrod Bowen believes the team's overall performance was outstanding, and the goals were also quite spectacular.

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen praised his team's performance after scoring two goals and converting one in the penalty shootout, saying that excellent teamwork helped West Ham reach the quarterfinals of the UAE FA Cup for the first time in a decade.  

After the match, Jarrod Bowen said, "It feels amazing. We knew before the game that it was important because the chance to advance to the quarterfinals was right in front of us. It was bound to be tough, and our opponents played a very difficult style of play. They were direct, frequently throwing long throw-ins into the box and taking advantage of set pieces, so we had to stay very focused."  

“I think the team performed very well in all aspects, and our goals were also very exciting. We could have scored more goals. The game went into extra time again, but the team showed resilience and fighting spirit and persevered until the end. The penalty shootout was just as exciting.”  

Jarrod Bowen explained his instructions to his teammates before the penalty shootout, and then beamed after scoring his second goal in regulation time, his first since the end of January.  

He continued, “Before the match, we sat in a circle to discuss things, reminding everyone to stay confident and choose the right direction to attack. I suggested that each player imagine the ball hitting behind the goal so they could choose the right shooting position and complete the shot. I’m very happy to score in the penalty shootout and in the match. My first career hat-trick was in a match against Brentford in February 2024, and I was hoping to score a third hat-trick then, but it’s always exciting to score.”  

“We have a fantastic opportunity in this competition. It’s still a long road ahead, and Leeds United are a strong team with a lot of supporters. But for us, this is a home game. If we can play as well as we did tonight, we believe we can achieve something special in a similar atmosphere.”  

Jarrod Bowen specifically mentioned West Ham United's outstanding fans, who consistently roared during the match against Brentford, helping the team secure a valuable place in the later stages of the FA Cup. West Ham will host defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, and the captain hopes that he and his teammates can once again bring cheers to the fans and propel the team to positive progress in the relegation battle.  

He added: "I've always believed that the atmosphere of the game should be created by the players, and we have a responsibility to deliver exciting matches for the fans. We have to get the crowds excited, and I think we've been doing that since the game against Queens Park Rangers in January."  

“I think we played better tonight, and the team was really united. The atmosphere we created on the field was very helpful, especially when we were leading or needed to hold on. The fans have always been very supportive of us, and I believe they will continue to support us until the end of the season.”  

“Next, we will face Manchester City, which will be a very challenging match. After 120 minutes of intense play, we need a good rest. As home players, we will be full of confidence. We have a chance to win the game and escape the relegation zone, which is our primary goal. Of course, it won't be easy, but we will give it our all, play to our best ability, and look forward to the result.”  

Image source: Internet/West Ham United official website