Traditionally, AFC Bournemouth has always been a tricky fixture for West Ham United. Saturday was no different as the Hammers were frustrated by an in-form Bournemouth.
A 2-2 draw will be reflected on as a hard-earned point but a sloppy goal conceded early in the second half illustrated that West Ham’s tendency to switch off at the beginning of the half gives them a mountain to climb.
West Ham and, in particular, Andriy Yarmolenko looked dangerous early on and the wideman’s link-up with Sebastian Haller was pulling Bournemouth’s defence in all directions.
Felipe Anderson, although not clinical in front of goal, showed his high defensive work rate to protect Aaron Cresswell and relieve the early Bournemouth pressure.
As expected, Bournemouth were relentless in the combination of Joshua King, Harry Wilson and Callum Wilson who put pressure on Declan Rice and they were able to catch him out of position.
Philip Billing, who hadn’t impressed last season at Huddersfield, was the Cherries’ driving force in the midfield and the reason why they were able to get at the West Ham defence so freely.
Although Rice found himself caught out for the second goal, he was absolutely tremendous in his interceptions.
He is an intelligent player for someone of his age and on many occasions, he pulled himself into the correct position to break up dangerous Bournemouth play in the final third.
He is maturing into a central midfielder.
I’ve always been concerned he doesn’t have enough technically to be a top centre midfielder but on Saturday, he showed awareness in his first touch and a burst of pace to bring the ball out of danger.
West Ham have got a real player on their hands. Although it finished 2-2, they were plenty of positives for West Ham fans to take from the game. Here are my ratings for the squad:
