Both managers rue dropped points in Bournemouth’s draw with West Ham United
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Bournemouth's Enes Unal celebrates with teammates after scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 Premier League draw with West Ham United.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui praised his side’s resilience, despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser in their 1-1 English Premier League draw at Bournemouth on Dec 16.
It was a game which featured more shots (45) than any other league fixture this season.
Bournemouth, whose manager Andoni Iraola was equally disappointed with a draw, had their second-highest ever Premier League tally of 29 attempts to West Ham’s 16, but between them, the two teams managed only 12 on target as both goals came from set pieces.
Lucas Paqueta gave West Ham the lead from the penalty spot three minutes from time, but Enes Unal equalised with a superb free kick in the 90th minute to earn a share of the points. The 27-year-old’s moment of magic extended Bournemouth’s impressive unbeaten run to four games.
“It was a pity. We were thinking we would win in a difficult stadium,” Lopetegui told Sky Sports.
“It was very close. In the first half, we were better, in the second half, they were one step ahead. We suffered a little bit but overcame this to score. It was an incredible goal from Unal. After they scored, they put on a lot of pressure.
“We showed good behaviour in the last moments and competed really well. There are positives. This is the first step to be strong and a better team.”
The Spaniard has been under pressure after West Ham’s indifferent start to the season, but will be pleased about the attitude of his players in a game in which they were second best for large parts.
“More than the point is the behaviour the players showed. It was very good,” he added.
The draw moves West Ham seven points clear of the relegation zone in 14th spot. Ipswich Town are in 18th on 12 points.
Sixth-placed Bournemouth have no such worries, having amassed more points (25) at this stage of the season than in any of their other Premier League campaigns.
However, Cherries boss Iraola felt that it was two points dropped, given the chances his side created.
“I don’t think it is a good result for us, even if we scored the goal at the end,” said the Spaniard, whose side have scored a league-high 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season. Two of those goals came in a remarkable 2-1 win at Ipswich in their previous game, with Unal also scoring Bournemouth’s equaliser on that occasion.
Said Iraola: “We were better in the second half. I didn’t like the first half. We were pushing to win and then the penalty happened and we had to take the point. I don’t think it’s a good point for us.
“The game went very slow in the first half for us. We were not being brave enough to put them under real pressure. We improved in the second half but it wasn’t enough to win it.” REUTERS, AFP