‘Not a good point’ for Iraola

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was disappointed his side could only draw with West Ham despite seeing substitute Enes Unal equalise with a stunning 90th-minute free-kick.

Lucas Paqueta gave West Ham the lead from the penalty spot three minutes from time but Unal equalised with a superb free-kick to earn a share of the points.

The Cherries had a remarkable 29 shots on goal – a total they have only bettered once in the Premier League – but struggled with their finishing in an open game.

“I don’t think it is a good result for us even if we scored the goal at the end,” Iraola said.

“We were better in the second half. I didn’t like the first half. We were pushing to win and then the penalty happened and we had to take the point. I don’t think it’s a good point for us.

“I thought the penalty was harsh”

Henry reacts to Bournemouth’s late draw against West Ham 👇 pic.twitter.com/smPcZaoYfF

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

“The game went very slow in the first half for us. We were not being brave enough to put them under real pressure. We improved in the second half but it wasn’t enough to win it.”

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui praised his side’s resilience.

Spaniard Lopetegui has been under pressure after West Ham’s indifferent start to the season, but will be pleased about the attitude of his players in a game where they were second-best for large parts.

“I think it was a pity. We were thinking we would win in a difficult stadium,” Lopetegui told Sky Sports.

“It was very close. In the first half we were better, in the second half they were one step ahead. We suffered a little bit but overcame this to score.

“It was an incredible goal from Unal. After they scored they put on a lot of pressure. We showed good behaviour in the last moments. We competed really well.

“More than the point is the behaviour the players showed. It was very good,” he added.

The draw moves West Ham seven points clear of the relegation zone. Sixth-placed Bournemouth have no such worries having amassed more points (25) at this stage of the season than in any of their other Premier League campaigns.