Jarrod Bowen’s goal was enough to secure a European title for The Hammers
Jarrod Bowen secured a storybook ending to the most significant match of his profession by scoring a decisive goal in the 90th minute, sparking a wild celebration as West Ham United claimed their first significant European championship in 58 years.
The Europa Conference League final at Prague’s Eden Arena was a nerve-wracking match between two teams, with Fiorentina as the opponent. As the game was nearing extra time, Bowen managed to get hold of a through ball and outrun the defenders before scoring a goal, leading to a 2-1 victory.
The player stated that he was prepared and eager for a final opportunity, which eventually came, and it seemed like the festivities were going to continue well into the night.
“I’m so buzzing. We’re just going to go mad I think. I’m not going to put a filter on it. I’m not going to give a responsible answer. This party tonight is going to be crazy,” he told reporters.
“There was one more chance and we won it,” he added to BT Sport.
“We had a dream, we haven’t had the best season, myself included, but to give these fans this moment, I’m over the moon. Never (have I felt like this in my life). This is the biggest game of my career. The emotion, there was time for one more chance. I’m just so happy.”
Despite Fiorentina’s dominance in possession for most of the game, West Ham manager David Moyes celebrated by running down the touchline after the winning goal was scored.
“The minute Jarrod went through I was edging down the touchline; if there was anybody who was going to score it was going to be Jarrod,” said Moyes, whose jubilation had the hallmarks of some of Jose Mourinho’s exuberant celebrations.
“I couldn’t do the full Mourinho because I can’t slide on my knees and the grass was a bit dry, and I didn’t want to fall on my belly.”
Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham, who has been rumored to leave the club during the offseason, praised Moyes as one of the greatest managers the club has ever had.
“There has been times this year when he’s been tested,” Rice told BT Sport. “If you actually look at his time at this club, he’s saved us twice, got us into Europe two years in a row and now he’s won this. I think he’s up there as West Ham’s best ever manager now.”
The midfielder Rice has become part of the group of West Ham’s successful captains who have won trophies, which includes legendary players like Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds. Rice expressed that being included in this group is a great privilege.
“To be even in that conversation is crazy. The last six years I’ve played my heart out for this club. We’ve not had it easy. To win this now, is just another level. To be in that category now, I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to get too excited.”
In the second half, West Ham scored a penalty through Said Benrahma to take the lead, but Fiorentina managed to equalize five minutes later. West Ham seemed to be holding on for extra time, but Bowen’s impressive performance changed the game’s outcome.
“Everyone is happy; let’s party,” West Ham Defender Kurt Zouma told BT Sport: “We were confident we would win. We had a good feeling. It is time to celebrate now.”
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