Bubbles Burst and Cherries Sour - West Ham 0-0 Bournemouth

Not battered nor beaten, but an underwhelming result for Nuno’s side. The Hammers set out with their first team but the Cherries set out a gameplan which neutralised Nuno’s threatening attack, which Iraola achieved, but at the cost of his own team, who subsequently struggled to create chances.

The Hammers were held throughout the multitude of chances they had across the match, yet in every touch of the ball, there was an undertone of worry and panic in each pass. The players appeared nervous, rushed and almost scared of holding the ball. The touch-and-go passing got the better of Dutchman, Summerville, who at one point during the second half deliberately left the ball in frustration towards his teammates who weren’t helping him have the ball in the box… certainly not the gameplan that Nuno informed them of.

Nuno’s side set out with the correct tactics, right dimensions and he even had the right substitutions, which Hammers fans have been quick to criticise as of late, but collectively as players, not enough was provided.

Nevertheless, Samuel Barrott didn’t cover himself in glory tonight and it was another shocking refereeing performance from him. Mr Ballot decided to choose what he wanted, when he wanted it and ultimately that proved to be hindering towards Nuno’s side. Soucek’s proclaimed foul, which resulted in the Czech International being booked, was a superbly timed tackle which could be seen through the mountains of the Bobby Moore upper tier! Not to mention the tackle that whipped out Summerville… reds have been offered out for much less.

Individual players had their moments of success, but as a team it wasn’t enough and the individual quality didn’t prove to be a dividend for the Hammers. 20 shots, 3 on target, summarise how the match went in its entirety.

A point gained, but disappointment all around. The feeling of worry glances towards Nottingham Forest’s game tomorrow night but even then, our fortune continues to hide. - LN