[West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-v-bournemouth-player-ratings-as-hammers-take-a-point/) came close, twenty efforts on goal but just three on target – but ultimately couldn’t score against one of the Premier League’s form sides. One of the highest XG ratings without scoring – 2.87 – meant a frustrating afternoon.
However there’s still thirty six points up for grabs, as Bobby Zamora reminded everyone after the game- ‘_a positive for sure_‘ said the former Hammers’ striker.
_‘We have the character to fight ourselves out of it’_ insisted **Jarrod Bowen**_,_ admitting that it was the early season form that was to blame and but the Hammers _‘are stepping up to the challenges’_ game by game.
One point that needs underlining is the Hammers metamorphosis under Nuno. The core of the side is now incredibly young: **Diouf, 21**, **Magassa, 22**, **Fernandes 21**, all looking like seasoned campaigners.
Gone is the creaking ageing squad of the Potter era. Sadly the lack of early season points under the sacked Hammers coach remains and may yet come back to haunt the Irons.
A goalless draw against one of the Premier League’s form sides is not to be sniffed at: The spirit is there, plus an energy in the last quarter that was lacking in the first half of the season thanks to younger, fitter bodies.
Mohamadou Kanté didn’t let Nuno down
And Nuno keeps putting trust in his youngsters: Bringing on 20 year old **Mohamadou Kanté** for a crucial last 15 minutes showed incredible trust in another of his youngsters – Kante didn’t let him down and it shows how far West Ham have come from the ageing, lethargic, second-best lacklustre side in the Premier league that leaked goals and dropped points just a few months ago.
Still all to play for: Hope that Forest and Spurs lose to gently nudge the Hammers that bit closer to safety come next week.