Enes Ünal came off the bench to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw for Bournemouth against West Ham at the Vitality Stadium.
The Turkish striker, making only his second substitute appearance since recovering from a second ACL injury, struck nine minutes from time to deny the Hammers their first away victory under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Callum Wilson had marked his return to Bournemouth with a stunning double in the first half, giving the hosts a strong start.
However, West Ham regained their rhythm after Wilson’s exit. Marcus Tavernier pulled one back from the penalty spot before Ünal’s late heroics, with the 28-year-old visibly moved by his crucial strike.
Bournemouth came close to completing the comeback, but Tavernier squandered a glorious chance in stoppage time, sending the ball over the crossbar.
The Cherries were missing key forward Antoine Semenyo, sidelined with an ankle injury sustained on Ghana duty, yet they controlled the opening stages of the game.
Wilson opened the scoring in the 11th minute, brilliantly controlling a long clearance from goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and firing a low shot from the edge of the box. Despite a strong hand from Cherries goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, the ball nestled into the net on a slick surface.
Bournemouth pushed forward, but Eli Junior Kroupi volleyed over and Tavernier wasted a promising opportunity. Wilson, who netted 67 goals during a six-year spell with Bournemouth, doubled his side’s lead just before halftime.
Freddie Potts’ deep free-kick was flicked on by Jarrod Bowen and Jean-Clair Todibo to Wilson, who executed a perfect swivel and powered a volley into the top corner.
The 33-year-old received a warm ovation from all corners of the stadium when substituted early in the second half. Bournemouth responded immediately, with Areola saving attempts from Ryan Christie and Evanilson, while West Ham looked increasingly vulnerable.
Bournemouth’s hopes were reignited in the 67th minute when Max Kilman inadvertently handled the ball while trying to challenge Evanilson, allowing Tavernier to slot home the penalty.
The Cherries then created another clear chance when Tavernier’s low cross found Kroupi at the far post, only for Areola to make a crucial save.
The breakthrough finally came moments later when Marcos Senesi threaded a perfect pass through West Ham’s defence, allowing Ünal to turn and fire past the goalkeeper.
Bournemouth came close to snatching all three points late on, but Tavernier’s rebound attempt from Areola’s save went over the crossbar, leaving both sides to share the spoils.
