Late goals split the points on the south coast

Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal hit a wonderful free-kick in the last minute to earn his side a deserved point at the end of an open and entertaining game with West Ham

Lucas Paqueta’s disputed penalty looked set to give the Hammers the win, but Unal stepped up to slot past Lukasz Fabianski from 25 yards.

Both sides were hitting the box and sharing 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 adjudged by referee Chris Kavanagh to have hit the arm of Bournemouth substitute Tyler Adams – following a VAR review – Paqueta kept his cool to give West Ham the lead.

The Brazilian ran to celebrate with manager Julen Lopetegui under pressure, but moments later a hasty 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 for Evanilson in the 80th minute – then sent the free kick over the wall and into the top corner.

Bournemouth could have moved up to fifth with a win but will be worried about key player Antoine Semeny going off 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 climb above Aston Villa in the top six. West Ham remained in 14th place, avoiding defeat in two league games in a row for only the third time this season.

The Cherries had 29 shots in the game – West Ham had 16 of their own – but time and again failed to find the killer blow in front of goal.

Semenyo and West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen both hit the frame in the first half with efforts from the edge of the box as both sides posed serious threats on the break.

Paquet had yet to miss from the spot for the Hammers and thought he had won, but Bournemouth had scored more substitute goals than any other team in the competition and Unal’s goal was their eighth.