Bournemouth clawed back from behind to secure a crucial draw against West Ham, denying the London side a much-needed Premier League victory. The visitors trailed after a strong first-half showing by West Ham but mounted a spirited recovery after the break.
The Turkish forward, appearing as a substitute for only the second time since recovering from his second ACL injury, struck nine minutes from time to complete the comeback. His late equalizer silenced the home crowd and reminded fans of his determination and talent after a lengthy rehabilitation period.
West Ham seemed set to claim all three points after taking the lead through an early goal and dominating possession for much of the match. However, defensive lapses and a drop in intensity in the second half allowed Bournemouth to press higher and eventually find the equalizer.
Bournemouth’s manager praised his squad’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of mental strength in overturning difficult situations. Meanwhile, West Ham’s manager expressed frustration, highlighting how costly lapses in concentration continue to undermine the team’s ambitions.
“We played well for long stretches,” said Bournemouth’s coach. “What mattered was belief—and today, we showed we have plenty of it.”
“It’s disappointing,” commented West Ham’s boss. “We were in control but failed to finish the game off. That has to change.”
The game ended level, with both sides sharing the points. Bournemouth’s late surge keeps them clear of the relegation zone, while West Ham’s search for consistency continues as they drop valuable points in their push for a higher table position.
Author summary: Bournemouth’s late equalizer from Kerem Aktürkoğlu salvaged a draw against West Ham, marking a vital comeback and showcasing the team’s resilience.