Would we see a recalled and regenerated [Lucas Paquetá](https://www.claretandhugh.info/paquetas-flashy-fails-why-lopetegui-benched-him-for-wolves-clash/) or ‘more of the same’ I wondered. Lopetegui’s weird team selection had no [Summerville](https://www.claretandhugh.info/summerville-deserves-his-chance-to-start/) and a striker on the bench whilst a winger leads the line: I was scratching my head to see how this one would pan out. Seemed that Paquetá was starting on the right side with Bowen playing the central striker.
The Hammers were nearly undone via a long ball out after 12 minutes, route one football leading to a shot just past Fabianski’s post. Five minutes later and a Kudus through ball to Bowen and the shot cannoned of the bar. Great through ball from the Ghanaian. Close!
It was very noticeable how high up the pitch Wan-Bissaka and Coufal were playing, and there seemed a high press by the whole midfield when West Ham were out of possession. Kudus and Paquetá all popping up in different positions. Early days but the Hammers’ midfield did seem to be more combative and active in winning back the ball. Nice link-up play, Soucek suddenly popping up as a right winger. Very fluid. Another Bowen effort well saved from a Kudus cross.
West Ham were looking quite confident in the first half an hour, it should be said. Forty minutes gone – Soucek almost gave the Hammers the lead after a deep cross to the far post, his scuffed volley deflected wide. Fabianski called upon to pull off a top save just before half time. 45 minutes up and the over riding impression was that the Hammers’ suddenly seemed to be functioning in midfield.
Bournemouth certainly started the second half with more purpose and forced saves from Fabianski. It looked as if West Ham were far deeper than in the first 45. Great counter attacking from The Cherries thwarted by a Kilman block. A welcome sight as Fullkrug appeared at 55 minutes: Soler withdrawn.
Alvarez took his now customary yellow card for a late challenge. Some things don’t change. Lopetegui too picks up a yellow. Both sides attacking and coming close, corners at each end. More good saves from Fabianski
Ollie Scarles getting onto the pitch for his Premier League debut – introduced with Summerville. Great moment. Just had a feeling West Ham might nick this one in the last 15 minutes. Graphic flashed up 19 Bournemouth attempts to 14 West Ham: End to end stuff! Brilliant save from Fabianski again to keep The Cherries out.
Down the other end and Fullkrug’s bullet header straight at the keeper. The cross was deflected and VAR intervened for a whisker of a handball: the agonised wait began.
Yep, Penalty. Paquetá has the ball.. 85 minutes.. I’m nervous. Brilliant, Ice cool. One-nil West Ham. Paquetá runs half the pitch to embrace his head coach. Interesting!
Two minutes later and it’s one – all from a stunning free kick from Bournemouth after Mavropanos makes a daft, clumsy challenge. Just a brilliant unstoppable kick. 8 minutes added on. Kaelan Casey off the bench in the last couple of minutes too. Frantic last minutes. Coufal even had a goal bound volley blocked.
Great game, Fabianski must surely be Hammers’ man of the match. Now that looked more like a team with some fight in it. Well done, West Ham, now keep it up.