Unal's stunning free-kick earns Cherries deserved point
Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United
Enes Unal’s breathtaking free-kick salvaged a deserved 1-1 draw for Bournemouth against West Ham, after Lucas Paquetá’s controversial penalty—awarded by VAR—put the visitors ahead.
Unal stepped up from nearly 30 yards out to unleash a powerful strike that left Lukasz Fabianski rooted to the spot, bringing relief to the home crowd following a contentious handball decision that had moments earlier gone against the Cherries.
Bournemouth had piled on the pressure since the break, firing off 17 shots in total, but looked to be heading for frustration as West Ham’s resolute defence held firm. Then came a stroke of fortune for the Hammers, who broke the deadlock via a contentious penalty decision.
Nicklas Füllkrug’s header was comfortably saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, but VAR official Michael Salisbury spotted a potential handball by Tyler Adams from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross. After a lengthy review and a trip to the pitch-side monitor by referee Chris Kavanagh, the penalty was awarded. Amid boos echoing around the Vitality Stadium, Paquetá coolly converted from the spot.
#BOUWHU – 83’ VAR OVERTURN
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VAR recommended an on-field review for a potential handball penalty, deeming that Adams’ arm was in an unnatural position. The referee then awarded the penalty to West Ham.
However, Unal’s spectacular equaliser pulled Bournemouth within two points of Manchester City in fifth place. Earlier in the game, both sides rattled the woodwork during an evenly matched first half. In the second, Fabianski produced two superb saves to deny Evanilson and Ryan Christie, as Bournemouth cranked up the intensity.
Despite the Cherries’ relentless attack, the Hammers earned their point with one of their most determined defensive displays of the season.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
One point gained or two dropped for West Ham United?
West Ham’s hard-earned point should give Julen Lopetegui some much-needed breathing room after last week’s win over Wolves. However, he will likely rue the missed opportunity to secure all three points, especially after his side took such a late lead.
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There's frustration for Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, too. His side played with dominance yet again but continued to struggle to convert superiority into goals. Even in their recent home win over Tottenham, there was a sense they should have won by more than a single goal.
This time, an incredible 29 shots still weren’t enough to take all three points. Antoine Semenyo struck the post early on, but Bournemouth’s best chance in the first half came late, with Dango Ouattara denied at the far post by a brilliant stop from Lukasz Fabianski.
The veteran goalkeeper was a thorn in Bournemouth’s side throughout the second half, producing save after save. Justin Kluivert, Semenyo, Ryan Christie, and Evanilson all saw efforts thwarted by the former Poland international.
Fabianski’s standout moment came late on, when he pulled off two outstanding reaction saves in quick succession to keep out Philip Billing and Christie. Throwing himself around the goal, he must have felt every bit of his 39 years, but performances like this show he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
