:focal(1301x272:1303x270)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/12/16/4073582-82609288-2560-1440.jpg?ssl=1 "Late drama as Unal stunner cancels out Paqueta penalty in Bournemouth draw with West Ham")
Bournemouth and West Ham shared the spoils in an exciting 1-1 draw after a shocking late free-kick from Enes Unal cancelled out a Lucas Paqueta penalty which had been transformed simply moments earlier than.
The end result strikes The Cherries as much as sixth within the league, inside two factors of Manchester Metropolis in fifth, whereas The Hammers now have a seven-point hole to the relegation zone.
The primary half ended goalless however was performed at a frantic tempo as either side threatened to take the lead on a number of events.
West Ham got here closest by captain Jarrod Bowen who clipped the bar with a curling strike.
Bournemouth actually ought to have damaged the impasse as Lukasz Fabianski made a point-blank save to disclaim Dango Ouattara on the stroke of half-time.
The house facet got here out of the blocks quick within the second half and got here near breaking the impasse a number of instances however have been repeatedly denied by Fabianski in West Ham’s purpose. Regardless of being on the again foot, it was West Ham who thought that they had received it after Tyler Adams was adjudged to have dealt with the ball following an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross after an on-field evaluation.
Paqueta tucked away the penalty in fashion however then Bournemouth produced some extra late heroics as Unal transformed a pinpoint free-kick from 25 yards.
The house facet pushed for a winner into added time however needed to accept a draw which leaves them sixth within the league with a visit to Outdated Trafford up subsequent, whereas West Ham keep 14th and can host Brighton on the weekend.
Speaking Level – Extra late heroics maintain Bournemouth in hunt for Europe
One other late purpose from The Cherries confirmed why Bournemouth have each the standard and angle to compete on the prime of the Premier League desk. The purpose strikes Andoni Iraola’s facet as much as sixth within the league, simply two factors behind champions Manchester Metropolis and three factors off Nottingham Forest in fourth.
Firstly of the season few might have imagined that sentence could be written, but in a season of surprises it has been. Absolutely it should give Bournemouth followers hope that their facet can proceed their effective type and probably safe a excessive end within the Premier League and an journey into Europe.
Participant of the Match – Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham)
In a recreation wherein many attacking gamers sparkled it was their adversary who stole the present. The veteran Polish goalkeeper confirmed even at 39 years outdated he’s nonetheless able to performing on the highest degree.
Bournemouth had a complete of 29 photographs, 9 heading in the right direction, and Fabianski repeatedly denied them with some heroic saves. It seemed for all of the world his arduous work had paid off when Paqueta swept house a late penalty however solely an inch-perfect free-kick might beat the Pole in purpose and that’s precisely what Bournemouth received late on.
Regardless of dropping his clear sheet Fabianski and his defence can depart the Vitality with their heads held excessive.
Participant Rankings:
Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga 5, Smith 6, Zabarnyi 7, Huijsen 6, Kerkez 7, Christie 8, Prepare dinner 6, Semenyo 7, Kluivert 7, Outtara 7, Evanilson 5. Subs: Adams 5, Brooks 6, Billing 6, Unal 7
West Ham : Fabianski 9, Coufal 7, Mavropanos 7, Kilman 7, Wan-Bissaka 8, Alvarez 7, Soucek 7, Paqueta 6, Soler 5, Kudus 6, Bowen 7. Subs: Fulkrug 6, Scarles 6, Summerville 5, Casey N/A.
Match Highlights:
85′ – PENALTY WEST HAM – And proper on the dying West Ham are awarded a penalty after a Wan-Bissaka cross was met with an outstretched Tyler Adams hand. What a merciless means this could be for Bournemouth to lose.
87′ GOAL! – BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 WEST HAM (PAQUETA) – Paqueta steps up, stutters after which strokes the ball previous Kepa. West Ham are on the point of a implausible victory now..
90′ – GOAL! – BOURNEMOUTH 1-1 WEST HAM (UNAL) – What a free-kick that’s from Unal as he ranges for Bournemouth virtually instantly. From practically 30 yards the striker bends one completely into the highest nook. It was going to take one thing particular to beat Fabianski tonight!