AFC Bournemouth battled from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with West Ham United at Vitality Stadium, ending Andoni Iraola’s one hundredth game as head coach with a hard-earned point.
The hosts recovered strongly after Callum Wilson scored twice in the first half for the visitors, the former Cherries striker giving West Ham a firm advantage at the interval.
Marcus Tavernier reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after sixty nine minutes, confidently striking down the centre after Max Kilman handled inside the box.
Substitute Enes Ünal then completed the comeback nine minutes from time, turning sharply to score from close range just seconds after entering the pitch in what was his first goal following a long injury layoff.
Bournemouth had threatened early when Alex Scott’s free-kick forced Kilman to head over, while Junior Kroupi and David Brooks each went close during a busy spell of pressure. Scott was denied by Alphonse Areola in first-half added time and Ryan Christie saw an effort blocked shortly after the restart as Bournemouth pushed to respond.
Late in the game Tavernier fired over from a scramble and Areola saved with his legs to stop Ünal snatching a winner, but the home side’s strong second half ensured they claimed a point. The match also marked a milestone for Adam Smith, who moved level with James Hayter on four hundred and seven appearances to become the club’s joint sixth highest appearance-maker.
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