Bournemouth vs West Ham Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Bournemouth and West Ham Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Bournemouth's inability to capitalize on their dominant possession led to a frustrating draw against West Ham, who continue to fight for survival in the Premier League. The Cherries controlled 61% of the ball and completed 38 passes compared to West Ham's 27, yet they could not convert this advantage into a decisive victory. This match encapsulated Bournemouth's recent inconsistency, as they have now drawn two of their last three matches after a disheartening 0-4 loss to Aston Villa.

Callum Wilson emerged as West Ham's standout performer, scoring both of their goals and showcasing his importance to the team. His brace against Bournemouth marked a continuation of his resurgence after a slow start to the season. With five goals in his last three matches, Wilson has become the focal point of West Ham's attack, providing much-needed firepower as they battle against relegation. His ability to find the net consistently has been crucial for a team that has struggled to score, evidenced by their previous seven losses this season.

Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier stepped up when it mattered most, converting a penalty in the 69th minute to level the score at 2-2. This goal was vital for Bournemouth, who had been searching for a way back into the match after falling behind twice. Tavernier's performance reflects his growing influence within the squad, especially following his earlier contributions in victories against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. His ability to create chances and score goals will be essential as Bournemouth looks to solidify their mid-table position.

Despite dominating possession, Bournemouth's lack of clinical finishing was evident throughout the match. They managed only two shots on target compared to West Ham's three, highlighting a concerning trend where they struggle to convert possession into clear-cut opportunities. This inefficiency has plagued them in recent matches, as seen in their previous outings where they often outshot opponents but failed to secure maximum points. The expected goals (xG) metric further emphasizes this issue; Bournemouth's xG was significantly higher than West Ham's, yet they could not translate that into a win.

West Ham's defensive frailties were once again exposed, particularly in their inability to maintain leads. After taking a 2-0 advantage through Wilson's first-half goals, they allowed Bournemouth back into the game with a lackluster second-half performance. This inconsistency has been a hallmark of their season, as they have frequently dropped points from winning positions. The Hammers' defense must tighten up if they hope to escape the relegation zone, especially with upcoming fixtures against stronger opponents like Liverpool.

The tactical battle between Andoni Iraola and Graham Potter played a significant role in shaping the match. Bournemouth's 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to dominate midfield and create overloads on the flanks, while West Ham's 3-4-3 setup aimed to absorb pressure and hit on the counterattack. Despite their tactical advantages, Bournemouth struggled to break down West Ham's defense effectively, which is indicative of their recent form where they have often failed to convert chances into goals.

Looking ahead, Bournemouth will face Sunderland next, where they must capitalize on their possession and create more scoring opportunities if they wish to maintain their mid-table standing. Meanwhile, West Ham will need to build on this draw and find ways to improve defensively before facing Liverpool. The pressure is mounting for both teams as they navigate through a crucial phase of the season.

This match served as a microcosm of both teams' seasons: Bournemouth's struggle with consistency and West Ham's fight for survival. The draw leaves Bournemouth in ninth place with 18 points while West Ham remains in the relegation zone with just 10 points. As both teams reflect on this encounter, they must address their shortcomings if they hope to achieve their respective goals this season.