Monday night football seems to be a favourite fixture for the Hammers, who have won nine games in their last eleven. Yet, in a match that thrilled the neutrals, they came away with just a point at the Vitality Stadium.
Lopetegui’s team took the lead on 86 minutes when Paqueta coolly converted a penalty, after VAR adjudged a handball by Tyler Adams.
However, just three minutes later, Mavropanos gave away a free-kick, and Enes Ünal unleashed a screamer from 30 yards to level the score.
Both teams had plenty of chances over the 98 minutes. The Cherries registered nine shots on target and twenty-nine in total compared to West Ham’s three on target and sixteen overall. Fabianski was undoubtedly the busier of the two keepers, making eight saves.
The 39-year-old custodian was diving all over the place to keep Bournemouth at bay, his standout save coming in the 45th minute to deny Dango Ouattara.
With five players unavailable, it was encouraging to see academy prospects given a chance. Ollie Scarles managed 23 minutes on the pitch, while Kaelan Casey made a fleeting late appearance.
The result pushed Bournemouth up to sixth, while West Ham further cemented their position in fourteenth.
Thierry Henry praised the Hammers’ performance: “They showed me they can play, and at one point had to be resilient.”
Julen Lopetegui pulled no punches in his post-match interview: “We were very close to winning against a very good team. This is the first step to being strong and a better team. We are going to keep this positive mentality.”
A hard-earned point may give Lopetegui some breathing space, but the Hammers still only have five wins from sixteen games. Next up: Brighton at home on Saturday, 21st December
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