Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal hit a wonderful last-minute free-kick to earn his side a deserved point at the end of an open and entertaining match with West Ham
Lucas Paqueta’s contentious late penalty had looked set to give the Hammers victory but Unal stepped up to hammer a swerving strike past Lukasz Fabianski from fully 25 yards.
Both sides had hit the woodwork and shared numerous chances without being able to find a way past goalkeepers Kepa and Fabianski – who were both in excellent form throughout.
But when Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross was judged by referee Chris Kavanagh to have hit the hand of Bournemouth sub Tyler Adams – after a VAR review – Paqueta kept his cool to clip West Ham ahead.
The Brazilian ran to celebrate with under-pressure manager Julen Lopetegui but moments later a rash challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos gave the hosts a free-kick.
Hang it in the louvre 🎨 pic.twitter.com/9SO9wTQiid
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 16, 2024
Unal – who came on to replace Evanilson in the 80th minute – then bent the free-kick over the wall and into the top corner.
Bournemouth could have gone fifth with victory but will be concerned at keyman Antoine Semenyo departing in the second half with an apparent injury.
More to follow.
