ENES UNAL’s spectacular late freekick denied West Ham victory against Bournemouth.
The Turkish striker bent in an incredible strike from 30 yards to cancel out Lucas Paqueta’s 87th-minute penalty.
Take a bow Enes UNAL! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kXVfd735Wn
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Paquetá converts the penalty! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/SFWfEw0BCd
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Fabiański denies Evanilson with a fine save! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/yR2z0Fu4g8
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RexEnes Unal’s free-kick denied West Ham three points on the South Coast[/caption]
GettyLucas Paqueta netted the opener from the spot[/caption]
RexThe penalty was given after VAR judged Tyler Adams to have handled the ball[/caption]
AFPHe celebrated with manager Julen Lopetegui[/caption]
Manager Julen Lopetegui went into the match knowing a win would ease the pressure hanging over him.
Both sides rattled the woodwork in the first half but neither could find a breakthrough.
The Cherries came close in the second half but were denied by a fabulous performance from goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
The Polish shot-stopper made numerous saves to deny the hosts and preserve the Hammers’ clean sheet for the meantime.
At the other hand, Kepa Arrizabalaga denied Niclas Fullkrug‘s point-blank header.
Despite the Cherries having the better chances, it was West Ham that took a late lead after Tyler Adams handled the ball in the box.
The decision to point to the spot came after a long VAR check judged the midfielder to have handled the ball.
West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta stepped up and converted the penalty in the 87th minute.
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However, it would not be enough for victory, and Unal’s spectacular free-kick earned a point for the hosts.
The Turk’s effort flew in from 30 yards and straight past a diving Fabianski, who was beaten on this occasion.
The draw sees the Cherries move to just three points behind fourth places Nottingham Forest.
They have also jumped above Aston Villa by having a superior goal difference.
West Ham are now seven points clear of the relegation zone but remain in 14th place.
The positive for the Hammers will be that it is two games unbeaten and that they are still only six points behind the European spots.
More to follow…
GettyAndoni Iraola will be happy with Bournemouth’s late comeback[/caption]
PAPressure will have eased on Lopetegui[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
