EXTRA TIME

Season starts with 1-1

West Ham United opened their 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday

Jarrod Bowen’s fine 51st minute strike – 67 days after his goal earned the Irons the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy in Prague – had David Moyes’ men hoping of a winning start to the season, but the Cherries’ Dominic Solanke struck back eight minutes from time to earn his side a point.

▶️ 67 days ago

The Hammers twice struck the woodwork, through Tomáš Souček in the first half and Paquetá late on, but Bournemouth had their chances too with Solanke’s physicality in particular proving a handful throughout.

West Ham‘s goal came in the 51st minute when Fornals regained possession high up the pitch and Souček nudged the ball to Bowen, who opened up for the shot on his left foot and curled the ball into the top left corner from just outside the box.

Bournemouth pushed back and were rewarded with a leveller eight minutes from time. Antoine Semenyo’s attempted shot was heading well off target, but bounced into Solanke, who reacted well to latch on to the loose ball, round Areola and slot home.

West Ham still went close to winning it, Paquetá striking the base of the post with five minutes to go, but the east Londoners had to settle for a point on the south coast.

West Ham United: Areola, Coufal, Zouma ©, Aguerd, Emerson, Souček, Paquetá (Cornet 90+4), Fornals (Kehrer 86), Bowen, Benrahma, Antonio (Ings 78)
Subs: Fabiański (GK), Anang (GK), Johnson, Ogbonna, Coventry, Mubama

Goal: Bowen 51

▶️ Match report (WHUFC)

August 12, 2023 at 6:14 pm Leave a comment