Sunday, March 12

Defensive lapses undo Hammers

Bournemouth 3 West Ham 2

So we're playing a team that hasn't won in 2017 — what could possibly go wrong? Clearly it's very disappointing to score twice away from home and still lose. Having equalised late on it should have been a case of respect the point. But sub Byram was caught overlapping and on the counter attack as Ayew gave the ball away. Jack Wllshere caused the damage as King stroked home after Randolph had saved the Arsenal loanee's shot. 

There were some positives for the Hammers going forwards. Lanzini played well again and Feghouli was busy, setting up Antonio's opener, which was a fine turn and shot. The equaliser was also a great goal. Obiang found Byram with a superb ball and the right back did well to pull it back for Ayew to tap home. Feghouli's shot also inspired a great stop with his foot from Boruc. 

But there were big problems at the back. There wasn't too much Fonte could do about King's bit of skill for the first, but it was woeful marking from a set piece for the Cherries' second, even if there was a claim for handball. If you add this to the fact that Bournemouth missed two penalties after rash challenges by Feghouli and Fonte then it could have been 5-2. A big improvement is needed defensively against Leicester.

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