Julen Lopetegui, West Ham, Bournemouth badge
Bourenmouth 1-1 West Ham. (Credit - Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Mon 16 December 2024 23:40, UK
Alan Smith could not believe his eyes after Enes Unal scored directly from a free-kick in Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with West Ham on Monday.
The Hammers were on course to claim all three points at the Vitality Stadium on 16 December when Unal stepped up with what the Sky Sports commentator described as a “sensational” set-piece goal in the 90 minutes.
Reacting to the goal live on air, the Arsenal man said that he had not seen anyone score from such a distance this season, once again hailing the strike as “beautiful”.
“It’s quite magnificent. It’s sensational from Unal”, Smith said on Sky Sports (16 December, 9:49 pm).
“I don’t think I’ve seen a free-kick converted from that distance this season, I can’t remember. He hits it perfectly, beautiful strike.
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“I wondered whether they would take it on from that distance, nearly 30 yards. What about it?”
Enes Unal spoils West Ham mood v Bournemouth
Lucas Paqueta put West Ham in front after converting a penalty, which was awarded for a handball on Tyler Adams, in the 87th minute.
The Brazil international celebrated the goal by running towards Julen Lopetegui, proving that the Spanish tactician still has the support of the players.
For three minutes, things appeared to be rosy for the East London outfit, who were on course to build on their 2-1 win against Wolves last Monday (9 December).
However, a poor decision and foul from Konstantinos Mavropanos allowed Unal to spoil the Irons’ mood and grab headlines.
There was not much even a heroic Lukasz Fabianski could have done to prevent it.
Konstantinos Mavropanos, West Ham
Mavropanos’ foul allowed Unal to score v West Ham. [Credit: Imago]
Nevertheless, Loeptegui and co will be pleased to take a point away from the Cherries, who are sixth in the Premier League after 15 games.
It now remains to be seen if they can claim all three points when Brighton visit the London Stadium on Saturday (21 December).
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ stance on giving a new contract to Michail Antonio after his accident has been revealed.
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