“Needed heroics” | Host says Hammers were fortunate on the coast | OneFootball

West Ham leant on an excellent defensive display to gain a big point away at Bournemouth.

It may well be seen as a positive result, which it should be considering the form of the Cherries so far in the Premier League this season, however it can’t be ignored that West Ham did heavily rely upon the display of Lucasz Fasbianski.

Julen Lopetegui’s side were undoubtedly the better side in the first half, putting in a performance that dominated much of the proceedings, which really should have provided a healthier scoreline of 0-0 at the break.

West Ham did eventually take the lead, after a second half which was flipped and dominated more by the hosts – as Paqueta gave the Hammers a 1-0 lead from the spot on 87 minutes, but sadly were unable to hang on.

The sublime 90th minute free kick from Unal earned Bournemouth a deserved point in fairness and one which West Ham can look to draw the positives from.

Hammers Chat Forum host Gonzo felt that although it was a good point to achieve at a ground which has seen the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City overturned this season, it cannot be ignored that defensive performances came to aid the result significantly.

“It was certainly a game of two halves,” stated Gonzo following the match. “West Ham were excellent in the first, however were dominated by Bournemouth for much of the second.

“So I feel on reflection a draw was the fair result and it should as well be seen as an excellent point for West Ham, especially considering the form of Bournemouth this season.

“That being said, we once again had to rely on defensive heroics to see the game through, with Lucasz Faniaski and Max Kilman both outstanding. It also must be noted that Bournemoutn produced their Premier League records for shots on target at home.