Cherries Complete Remarkable Comeback Against Hammers
Bournemouth staged a stunning second-half comeback to snatch a 2-2 draw against West Ham United at the Vitality Stadium, with substitute Enes Unal scoring an emotional late equaliser moments after entering the fray.
Wilson Haunts Former Club with First-Half Brace
The match began with West Ham's Callum Wilson making an immediate impact against his former employers. The 33-year-old striker, who scored 67 goals during his six-year spell with Bournemouth, opened the scoring after just 11 minutes. Wilson controlled a long clearance from goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on his chest before firing a low shot from the edge of the box that slipped through goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic's grasp.
Wilson doubled West Ham's advantage ten minutes before half-time, demonstrating his clinical finishing once more. Following a deep free-kick from Freddie Potts that was helped on by Jarrod Bowen and Jean-Clair Todibo, Wilson swivelled and crashed a volley high into the net, putting the Hammers in a commanding position.
Dramatic Second-Half Turnaround
The momentum shifted dramatically when Wilson was substituted early in the second half, receiving warm applause from all sides of the ground. Bournemouth immediately began to threaten, with Areola making crucial saves from Ryan Christie and Evanilson.
The Cherries were thrown a lifeline after 67 minutes when Marcus Tavernier converted from the penalty spot after Max Kilman's trailing arm made contact with the ball while attempting to dispossess Evanilson. Bournemouth should have equalised shortly afterwards when Tavernier's low cross found Eli Junior Kroupi, but Areola produced a fine save with his glove.
The decisive moment came nine minutes from time when Enes Unal, making only his second substitute appearance after recovering from a second ACL injury, turned and fired home after Marcos Senesi threaded the ball through West Ham's defence. The 28-year-old Turkish forward was visibly emotional during his celebration, marking a triumphant return from long-term injury.
Bournemouth had a glorious opportunity to win the match in the dying moments when Areola parried Evanilson's shot, but Tavernier blazed the rebound over the crossbar, leaving the points shared. The Cherries were without Antoine Semenyo due to an ankle sprain picked up on international duty with Ghana.
