Jarrod Bowen reveals the West Ham scapegoat that supporters have got all wrong

Jarrod Bowen has revealed who he believes has been unfairly singled out by West Ham fans and managers, claiming his redemption has only just begun.

West Ham fans are among the most faithful in the country.

If other similar-sized clubs lasted 43 years without a major trophy, like West Ham did until their Europa Conference League victory in 2023, their stadiums would be half empty.

Not the Hammers, however.

Yes, West Ham fans might be demanding, but contrary to common belief, they are not difficult to satisfy.

That being said, some Hammers fans have a tendency to manufacture scapegoats out of specific players.

Just ask Tomas Soucek, who, while adored and cherished by the great majority, has expressed his dismay in being a punching bag for angry supporters at times in recent years.

Some Hammers fans are ready to make scapegoats of specific players.

However, not every player has Soucek’s thick skin, never-say-die mentality, self-belief, and confidence.

Even if it appears like they would on the outside.

Over the last 19 months, West Ham has failed to perform at all levels.

Last season, possibly only three players consistently played to the best of their abilities.

Captain Jarrod Bowen was one of them, as usual. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Hammer of the Year, was another, while Soucek, with nine goals and numerous saves at the opposite end, was third.

West Ham United’s season took a turn for the better with the additions of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa, followed by a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

It was Forest’s worst defeat at home in 25 years, and it wasn’t a fluke.

The much-needed victory was constructed on a strong defensive foundation as well as lots of grit and fight, which had become the norm under David Moyes but had become increasingly rare in his final days and after.

West Ham fans hoped for more signings on deadline day.

Supporters expected the Hammers to recruit a new centre-back, with Charlie Cresswell and Taylor Harwood-Bellis being connected.

Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Nayef Aguerd have not consistently performed at the required level.

Wantaway Aguerd was finally moved off, with Igor Julio taking his place in a deadline-day loan transaction.

Bowen’s names West Ham blame fans and managers got everything wrong.

After 11 goals conceded in the first three games, West Ham’s triumph against Forest demonstrated that they needed to focus on keeping clean sheets and building from there, with all three goals coming in the final 10 minutes after some meticulous rear-guard action to frustrate Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Lucas Paqueta was named man of the match in that game, closely followed by newcomer Fernandes.

However, one man who attracted the attention received a notice from his captain while on international duty.

Bowen has named the West Ham scapegoat that fans and management have misidentified, and he claims redemption is on the way.

The Hammers forward is currently in England, where he was egregiously overlooked by Thomas Tuchel in the disastrous win against Andorra.

In an interview with BCC 5 Live Sport, Bowen was asked to choose the most underappreciated West Ham player.

Bowen also claims that supporters and the last three managers, based on their team selections, have misjudged one of his teammates, Mavropanos.

The big Greek possesses all of the qualities required to be a top Premier League defender and Hammers cult figure.

The former Arsenal centre-back, who is big, strongly built, muscular, quick, and capable of carrying the ball out of defence at high pace, should be a starter week in and week out.

The fact that he hasn’t been under Moyes, Julen Lopetegui, or Potter demonstrates how delicate the gentle giant’s confidence has been.

Mavropanos, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall and is built like a Greek deity, has a different attitude than his physical look.

He is an arm over the shoulder player who requires encouragement, to be appreciated, and to be considered a significant player.

Mavropanos would be the first to confess that he has a frustrating tendency to make expensive mistakes, especially when he is having a great game.

However, at Forest, there were no errors.

Bowen says Mavropanos redemption awaits at West Ham.

Mavropanos was aggressive, going first to every ball and not giving Chris Wood a chance.

He was most likely the true man of the contest.

Bowen also selected Mavropanos as the club’s most underestimated player, noting that he has only recently returned to the team, implying that the captain believes he should stay there instead of Todibo.

“I’ll say Dinos Mavropanos (is the most underrated player at West Ham),” remarked Bowen.

“Because he’s started playing again recently.”

“Captaining West Ham is everything” 💪

🗣️ Finish the sentence with Jarrod Bowen ⚒️#BBCFootball #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/DCBx6sYz2g

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) September 5, 2025

Interestingly, Bowen identified former Hammers captain Declan Rice as the most underappreciated player in the England squad.

Bowen was not given the opportunity to elaborate on his replies because the questions were asked quickly.

But he doesn’t have to.

The fact that he chose Mavropanos speaks volumes.

After a fantastic performance against Forest, the £17.5 million signing from Stuttgart has begun his redemption journey.

Bowen’s sentiments will not go unnoticed by Hammers fans, who may now rally around Mavropanos instead of heckling and jeering him as they have in the past.

Another strong performance against Spurs might bring Mavropanos full circle at West Ham in a couple of weeks.