Bournemouth vs West Ham Report

Scorers: Unal 90’; Paqueta 87’ (P)

A dramatic late free-kick from Enes Ünal salvaged a point for Bournemouth against West Ham in a pulsating contest at the Vitality Stadium.

The result extended Bournemouth’s impressive home form against top opposition this season, while West Ham’s struggles on the road continued with just one win in their last seven away fixtures.

First Half: Woodwork and Missed Opportunities

Bournemouth, buoyed by three successive wins, came close to an early breakthrough as Antoine Semenyo’s low effort struck the outside of the post.

The near miss jolted West Ham into life, and moments later, Jarrod Bowen unleashed a powerful strike from range that cannoned off the crossbar, sparking a frantic opening half.

Despite controlling much of the first period, West Ham’s finishing let them down. Both Carlos Soler and Tomáš Souček squandered clear-cut opportunities from inside the box, failing to test Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth threatened on the counter, with Dango Ouattara nearly snatching the lead just before HT, only to be denied by a sharp save from Łukasz Fabiański, who proved vital for the visitors throughout the match.

Second Half: Bournemouth Dominance Meets Fabiański Heroics

The Cherries began the second half with renewed intensity, forcing Fabiański into a series of impressive saves. Ryan Christie and Semenyo were both denied in quick succession, while Evanilson saw his near-post header parried by the inspired Polish shot-stopper.

Bournemouth piled on the pressure as the match progressed, with Justin Kluivert firing over and Christie having another close-range effort spectacularly tipped away.

Yet, for all their dominance, the home side were dealt a cruel blow in the 83rd minute. A cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka struck the arm of Tyler Adams, and after VAR review, referee Craig Pawson awarded West Ham a penalty.

Lucas Paquetá made no mistake, calmly slotting his spot-kick into the bottom corner to give the Hammers a late lead.

Late Drama: Ünal Rescues Bournemouth

Refusing to back down, Bournemouth pressed for an equaliser, and their persistence was rewarded in the final minute of normal time. Substitute Enes Ünal curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner, leaving Fabiański helpless and sending the home crowd into raptures.

The dramatic equaliser was no less than Bournemouth deserved after a dominant display that had seen them create far more chances than their visitors.

What’s Next?

Bournemouth: The Cherries climb to sixth in the Premier League table and will aim to continue their impressive form when they travel to Nottingham Forest next weekend.

West Ham: The Hammers, now winless in five league games, remain in 14th place. David Moyes’ side faces a crucial clash against relegation rivals Southampton at the London Stadium.

Bournemouth’s resilience and Ünal’s brilliance underscored their top-six credentials, while West Ham’s inability to hold on to a late lead highlighted the inconsistencies that continue to plague their season.

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Bournemouth v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League