Enes Unal conjured up a stunning late free-kick to salvage a point in Bournemouth's entertaining home clash against West Ham United.
The two sides looked set to play out a goalless draw despite creating a number of chances to break the deadlock at the Vitality Stadium.
West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was in fine form, making a number of important stops in a bid to claim the visitors' third away clean sheet of the Premier League season.
Those in attendance had to wait until the 87th minute for the game's first goal, with Lucas Paqueta keeping his composure from the penalty spot to put West Ham on the brink of back-to-back victories.
As it proved, the entertaining encounter produced another decisive set-piece, as Unal played the role of the super sub to pull the Cherries level with a stunning free-kick, rescuing a point to extend Bournemouth's unbeaten run to four consecutive matches.
The Cherries move up to sixth place in the Premier League table, while the Hammers are in 14th position and seven points clear of the danger zone.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
After winning their previous three games, Bournemouth came into the contest with hopes of continuing their winning run against a West Ham side that have found it difficult to find consistency under Julen Lopetegui.
However, the Hammers were the better side in the first half, although they failed to capitalise on some promising chances, highlighting a lack of cutting edge which has been prevalent in the Lopetegui era.
Andoni Iraola's half-time words certainly had an effect, as Bournemouth returned from the half-time break with greater intent, offering the sort of attacking threat that has seen them develop into unlikely European contenders.
For all their hard work in the second period, the Cherries would have felt hard done by when Paqueta netted a late penalty, but they more than deserved their subsequent equaliser, with a draw a fair result between two sides that produced an entertaining contest for the final game of matchday 16.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. WEST HAM HIGHLIGHTS
Paqueta goal vs. Bournemouth (87th min, Bournemouth 0-1 West Ham)
Paquetá converts the penalty! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/SFWfEw0BCd
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 16, 2024
The deadlock is finally broken following the award of a late penalty. Referee Chris Kavanagh goes to the monitor to review a potential handball against Tyler Adams. The official watches the replays of the ball striking Adams' raised left arm, before pointing to the spot to the joy of the travelling support. Niclas Fullkrug hands the ball to Paqueta, who steps up, stutters and then slots the ball home to put West Ham in a strong position.
Unal goal vs. West Ham (90th min, Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham)
Take a bow Enes UNAL! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kXVfd735Wn
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 16, 2024
What a strike! Just as West Ham thought they had won the game, Unal produces a sensational free-kick to rescue a point for the Cherries. The former Getafe striker curls an unstoppable strike over the wall and past the despairing Fabianski.
MAN OF THE MATCH - LUKASZ FABIANSKI
© Imago
Bournemouth may have deserved their equaliser, but Fabianski's performance was worth a clean sheet after he made a number of important saves.
The 39-year-old pulled off eight saves during the course of the contest, including a superb stop to his right to keep out David Brooks in the 81st minute.
Ryan Christie also deserves a mention for his display in the Bournemouth midfield after he created five chances and excelled in his defensive work.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. WEST HAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Bournemouth 51%-49% West Ham
Shots: Bournemouth 29-16 West Ham
Shots on target: Bournemouth 9-3 West Ham
Corners: Bournemouth 12-6 West Ham
Fouls: Bournemouth 6-11 West Ham
BEST STATS
Lucas Paquetá in 3 seasons with West Ham:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) December 16, 2024
30 G/A
16 goals
14 assists pic.twitter.com/zzmDlEjT3V
6 & 8 – Bournemouth have scored more goals in the 90th minute than any other side in the Premier League this season (6), while the Cherries have scored eight goals via substitutes in the competition this term, the most of any side in the competition. Sweet. pic.twitter.com/JFYMCJTEHc
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 16, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
After salvaging a point against the Hammers, Bournemouth will now start preparations for Sunday's away clash against Manchester United.
As for the Hammers, they will return to the London Stadium for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.
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