Feisty Fun as Hammers and Cherries share the spoils

It was an improved showing from Julen Lopetegui's troops tonight as they went toe to toe with a buoyant Bournemouth and almost stole all three points.

The Hammers edged the first half with a brave performance where they dominated midfield but lacked the necessary magic up front. 

At the back, J-Lo's lads looked composed but almost conceded a sucker punch just before half time but Fabianski was equal to it.

In the second half, the Cherries slowly grabbed the initiative until supersub Fullkrug had a crashing header from two yards brilliantly saved by Kepa in  the Bournemouth goal. 

Enter our recent buddies at VAR and the ball was judged to have struck a Bournemouth hand on its way across the goal. Ridiculous pedantry ensued with the happy Hammers donated a penalty.

Paqueta slotted to put the Hammers ahead with just a few minutes left but alas a stunning free kick from Cherries substitute Unai from all of 25 yards levelled it. It was the one moment of real class in a lively but sometimes scrappy affair. 

So, it finished 1-1. Probably a fair result. Importantly for West ham, we played with guts, fire and discipline. Fullkrug looked lively and mobile and is neat on the ball as well as a physical presence - we want to see more of our Summer signing!

Also, there was game time for Ollie Scarles and Kealan Casey which was a bonus In what was a decent team effort.

Three points would have been sweet but a point was a decent return. Maybe we are turning the corner at last?