When it comes to the back end of May and West Ham United are reflecting on the season that was, there is every chance that this soggy Saturday will go down as a missed opportunity that proved crucial in their survival plight.
Victory here would have raised the possibility of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side ending the weekend out of the relegation zone for the first time since early December. In keeping with those of recent weeks, much of the performance was befitting of another three points. But, thanks to a couple of smart Djordje Petrovic saves and some profligacy in front of goal, they had to make do with a draw – an expected goals (xG) total of 2.87 from 20 shots yielding a blank in the only column that matters.
Of encouragement for the home fans is that their side’s resurgence continues. From a position of hopelessness in mid-January, West Ham have now lost just one of their last six league games, and the gap to safety is now only two points, at least until Nottingham Forest play on Sunday. That is something to take heart from despite largely overwhelming a Bournemouth side whose unbeaten run extends to seven league games.
Just a few weeks ago, amid an injury crisis and prior to the signing of some much-needed winter reinforcements, Andoni Iraola had explained how it was vital that his team start quickly while the few legs he had at his disposal were fresh.
