Bournemouth and West Ham’s 3-3 draw was amongst Boxing Day’s more slapstick affairs. Simon Francis could have easily seen red for putting his boot through Chiekhou Kouyate’s face in the first half, Asmir Begovic gifted Marko Arnautovic the simplest brace of his career with two uncharacteristic errors and after the Austrian took the lead in the 89th minute, it was cancelled out in stoppage time as an offside Callum Wilson handled the ball on its way into the net.
Nonetheless, in a game that could have a huge say on their season due to West Ham’s close proximity in the table with yesterday’s opponents, there was a real grittiness and desire about the Irons, who appear to have truly rediscovered the character of the east London club under David Moyes. While the quality of the goals was certainly questionable, the Hammers kept going until the very end and almost claimed three points as a justified reward.
That’s a far cry from the West Ham we saw under Slaven Bilic at the start of the season, when a disappointing twenty-minute spell could lead to a capitulation, and no player highlighted that improvement in heart and professionalism better than captain James Collins – who was left ushering his angered team-mates away from referee Bobby Madley at the full-time whistle.
In addition to netting the opening goal by latching onto an Aaron Cresswell corner at the near post, the Welshman completed two tackles, two interceptions, won four aerial duels and made a whopping 13 clearances. But if there’s one thing that arguably let the centre-back down though, considering his veteran status in the team, it’s a failure to organise his team-mates properly at set pieces – Bournemouth netted from two dead ball scenarios as the Irons failed to clear.
Moyes’ side are clearly heading in the right direction and Collins has the character to play a huge part. But having now conceded the fourth-most set piece goals of any Premier League side, tightening up in those defensive situations is the crucial next step for Moyes on the training ground.
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