Late goals mean points shared on south coast

Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal scored a wonderful last-minute free-kick to give his team a deserved point at the end of an open and entertaining match against West Ham.

Lucas Paquetá’s controversial late penalty looked set to give the Hammers victory, but Unal stepped up to hammer a deflected shot past Lukasz Fabianski from 25 yards.

Both teams hit the woodwork and shared numerous opportunities without being able to find a way past goalkeepers Kepa and Fabianski, who were in excellent form throughout.

But when referee Chris Kavanagh ruled that Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross had hit the hand of Bournemouth substitute Tyler Adams following a VAR review, Paqueta kept his cool to put West Ham ahead.

The Brazilian ran to celebrate with coach Julen Lopetegui, who was under pressure, but moments later a rash challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos gave the hosts a free-kick.

Hang it in the skylight 🎨 pic.twitter.com/9SO9wTQiid

– AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 16, 2024

Unal, who replaced Evanilson in the 80th minute, then sent the free kick over the wall and into the top corner.

Bournemouth could have gone fifth with the win but will be concerned if key man Antoine Semenyo leaves in the second half with an apparent injury.

“That’s my distance!”

Carra and Henry analyze Unal’s free kick 👏 pic.twitter.com/07VbGQszBb

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 16, 2024

Andoni Iraola’s men overtake Aston Villa and move into the top six. West Ham remain in 14th place, having avoided defeat in back-to-back league games for the third time this season.

The Cherries took 29 shots in the match (West Ham had 16 of their own) but time and again failed to find the killer touch in front of goal.

Semenyo and West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen hit the woodwork in the first half with efforts from the edge of the area as both teams posed a serious threat on the counter-attack.

Paqueta has yet to miss the penalty for the Hammers and thought he had won, but Bournemouth have scored more goals with substitutions than any other team in the competition and Unal’s goal was his eighth.