by Staff Writer
Sunday, 22nd February 2026
West Ham played out their first goalless draw of the season - on a day when three points would've proved a huge boost to the club's chances of avoiding relegation.
Despite enjoying 20 shots at goal during the match, Nuno Santo's side were to leave the field frustrated after coming up short against the in-form Cherries.
And while the point earned continues the positive momentum, with just 11 games remaining this season, a win would've put the Hammers level on points with Nottingham Forest - who face Liverpool on Sunday.
The inability to secure what would've been a huge three points certainly wasn't for the want of trying - the Hammers huffed and puffed and drew saves from Bournemouth stopper Petrovic from the opening minutes of the game, when loanee Axel Disasi went close to opening his account.
However poor finishing and bad choices eventually continued to West Ham's inability to score - right up until Jarrod Bowen blasted an effort high over the bar in the closing moments, when it appeared easier to hit the target.
Hampered by an inability to score in the opening half, there were concerns that Santo's lack of suitable options may cost the Hammers dear in the second period. However the visitors were restricted to a handful of chances in reality, as West Ham secured a third clean sheet in four outings having previously failed to keep one since August.
That freshly-discovered defensive solidity could yet prove to be vitally important in West Ham's quest to avoid the drop, as it was considered virtually impossible to continue earning points while the Irons boasted such a porous defence.
But the introduction of Paco Jemez in the back room team and central defender Disasi on the pitch appear to have helped galvanise the Hammers, who can now go into next weekend's trip to Anfield with renewed confidence.
We'll have a full match report for you soon...
West Ham Utd: Hermansen, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Magassa (Kante 84), Fernandes, Bowen (c), Soucek (Wilson 72), Summerville, Castellanos
Unused subs: Areola, Walker-Peters, Scarles, Mayers, Kilman, Todibo, Traore
Booked: Soucek
AFC Bournemouth: Petrovic, Jimenez (Smith 89), Hill, Senesi (c), Truffert, Scott, Adams (Christie 66), Rayan, Evanilson (Tavernier 80), Adli (Brooks 66), Kroupi (Unal 89)
Unused subs: Mandas, Diakite, Milosavljevic, Toth
Booked: Senesi
Possession: WHUFC 42%-58% AFCB
Shots/on target: WHUFC 20/3-10/5 AFCB
xG: WHUFC 3.15-0.70 AFCB
Referee: Sam Barrott
Attendance (estimated): 55,000
Tickets sold: 62,437
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