When it comes to clutch moments, West Ham would have undoubtedly preferred the ball to land at Jarrod Bowen’s feet. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Bowen had the golden opportunity to secure a pivotal victory on their path to survival, while simultaneously increasing the pressure on Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. Yet, in a twist of fate, the captain—often celebrated for his decisive contributions—sent the ball soaring over the bar.

Though rivals in the relegation battle could breathe a sigh of relief, this action-packed goalless draw against Bournemouth highlighted West Ham’s readiness to fight tooth and nail. Despite the missed chance, they demonstrated resilience and determination, proving they are not to be underestimated.

For the first time in a long stretch, watching West Ham inspires confidence. The team has rediscovered its form and functionality, shaking off the struggles that once plagued them. Their recent performance against Manchester United was nothing short of brilliant, thwarted only by Benjamin Sesko’s stunning last-minute goal. During the match against the European hopefuls Bournemouth, West Ham exuded composure and self-assurance.

Even in this entertaining goalless draw against Bournemouth, West Ham showed they are more than up for the fight

COMPETENCE AND CONFIDENCE

Under Nuno Espirito Santo’s guidance, the team began with explosive energy, securing a corner within 13 seconds of the kickoff. Axel Disasi, in particular, made a notable impact with a header that was desperately cleared off the line. West Ham maintained relentless pressure, racking up 20 shots—a feat they hadn’t achieved since December 2024. This renewed vigor marks them as a team ready to claw their way out of danger, showcasing a spirit that fans have long awaited.

They were brilliant here against Manchester United, only denied a win by Benjamin Sesko’s last-minute stunner, and against the European-chasing Cherries they looked calm and confident.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side flew out the traps, winning a corner inside 13 seconds from which the excellent Axel Disasi saw a header cleared off the line, and barely relented. They attempted 20 shots, their most in a game since December 2024.

‘I was praying,’ said Nuno when asked what he was thinking when the ball fell to Bowen at the end. ‘I was thinking three points, happy days! That is the sadness we feel because it was almost there for us. We created so, so many chances. It was not to be.’

What is most impressive is how Nuno has transformed this defence. Gone are the nights of cavernous gaps all over the pitch and a feeling that any time the opposition got the ball near the West Ham goal, calamity would ensue. Even when Bournemouth piled on the pressure late on, a defence that has frequently crumbled showed some steel.

‘Everything starts from there,’ added Nuno. ‘You have to put your body on the line. You have to keep a clean sheet. We can always create chances because we have talent up front. We believe.’

In the short months since his appointment Nuno Espirito Santo has made West Ham look like a competent force

Taty Castellanos has been a particularly potent addition to the Hammers’ attacking ranks

RAYAN EYED RECORD

When Bournemouth’s biggest chances did come, it was of little surprise their teenage Brazilian sensation Rayan was at the heart of them.

The 19-year-old has been unstoppable since making his debut and was looking to become the first teenager to score or assist in his first four Premier League games.

He so nearly did. He broke away on the counter-attack, shrugged off two players before thundering a shot off the post. Later it needed a sensational sliding block from El Hadji Malick Diouf to deny Rayan from inside the box.

‘I value this point,’ said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who watched the game from the stands as he served a touchline ban and often cut a frustrated figure tapping away messages on his phone to the dugout. ‘This is not an easy place to come. They need results and you could feel that from the beginning.’

SUMMERVILLE IN SPOTLIGHT

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Netherlands assistant coach, was in attendance to keep a close eye on Crysencio Summerville.

The Hammers winger is in contention for a call up to Ronald Koeman’s squad for the upcoming games next month after a run of six goals in his previous seven matches.

Crysencio Summerville was monitored from the stands by Netherlands assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy will have been impressed with what he saw. Summerville so nearly added to his burgeoning goal tally inside the first five minutes, getting on the end of a stunning by Taty Castellanos but couldn’t beat Dorde Petrovic. 

He had full-back Alex Jimenez on toast. At one point he dribbled past two defenders, including the same defender twice, before firing over the bar.

He, too, had a chance to win it late on but couldn’t get the ball out of his feet and was the man to slip in Bowen at the death.