West Ham United played a 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Hammers thought they would leave with a victory when Lucas Paqueta sent Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way as he slotted home a penalty after a harsh handball call on Tyler Adams.
However, Enes Unal scored a gorgeous free-kick that pulled the Cherries back into the game. Bournemouth pushed for a winner, but West Ham held on to take a point from a difficult ground.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes the Irons have shown improvement. “I think it is (a step forward for West Ham) from where they were going into last Monday’s game,” the former Liverpool defender said (via theBBC).
“Four points out of the two games is a decent return considering where they were. It’s not a bad point. I think it’s something they would have taken before the game.”
West Ham were desperate to seal successive wins after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers last week but were undone by a silly mistake from Konstantinos Mavropanos. The defender gave away a needless free-kick that Unal lasered in for the equaliser.
The first half ended goalless but was frantic as both sides threatened to take the lead on multiple occasions.
The Hammers came close to opening the scoring through captain Jarrod Bowen. His curling, phenomenal strike clipped the bar.
Meanwhile, Dango Ouattara should have put the back of the net after some intricate passing with the goal gaping. Lukasz Fabianski made a spectacular save to keep his effort out from point-blank range.
The Polish goalkeeper was outstanding between the sticks and has thoroughly earned the starting berth ahead ofAlphonse Areola, who was subpar when starting.
Next up, 14th place West Ham welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the London Stadium, looking to build on their good form.