Bowen arrows in a dazzling double
JARROD BOWEN underlined his Premier League potential with another finishing masterclass.
And with the January transfer window on the horizon, Hull must hope interested top-flight clubs have as much luck pinning the in-form striker down as the hapless Championship defenders he regularly leaves for dead.
Bowen took his tally to 15 for the season and 10 in the last nine games with a clinical double in a sevenminute salvo early in the second half to turn the contest on its head after Sam Vokes headed struggling Stoke into an early lead.
A second win in three games keeps Hull’s play-off hopes nicely on the boil. They sit just three points shy of the top six and boss Grant McCann said: “I’m running out of superlatives for Jarrod.
“It’s another two great goals from him, he just has the knack of getting into the right place at the right time.”
Vokes was given the freedom of the Hull penalty area to head his first league goal since
May from a pinpoint James McClean cross.
But Bowen pulled Hull level four minutes after the restart with a precise left-foot finish.
And he doubled his tally when pouncing on a loose ball.
A third straight defeat leaves the Potters next to bottom and four points from safety.
Boss Michael O’Neill said: “I’m never going to say a player isn’t fit to wear the shirt but I can understand the fans’ frustration.
“That’s the poorest we’ve been in my five games. We’re not as dynamic as other teams and that’s a concern.”
CHELSEA were well and truly slam Dunc-ked as Frank Lampard’s worst fears came true.
He predicted a Duncan Ferguson bounce after the legendary striker was placed in charge of relegation-threatened Everton.
Gone was the toxic atmosphere of the last home game, a depressing 2-0 defeat against Norwich which sealed Marco Silva’s fate.
In its place was a vibrant affair with the Toffees energised and sparking from the first minute – with Ferguson living every piece of action.
Two ball boys will never forget the day their side was reborn after they were grabbed by the caretaker manager during the wild celebrations as Chelsea were sucked into a whirlpool of high emotion.
“Whatever happens no one can take this day away from me,” said Ferguson. “It was exciting, very emotional, a bit nervous.
“The atmosphere was sensational. It couldn’t have gone any better. I think Everton fans want to see passion in their manager. But this is not about me, it’s about Everton.
“Whoever takes over is coming to a fantastic football club. It was a fantastic feeling. I’ve been involved in cup finals with the club but this has been incredible.”
It took only four minutes and 18 seconds for Chelsea to feel the stunning effect of the Big Dunc factor.
And it was a goal which had Everton’s legendary striker’s name stamped all over it – a glorious throwback to the days the combative Scot ruled the airspace in opposition defences.
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