Premier League
AFC Bournemouth 1-3 West Ham United 

Tuesday, 12th January 2016
by Staff Writer

West Ham are firmly back in the hunt for Europe after a third successive Premier League win against Bournemouth tonight.

And the key architect in United's latest away day success was Dimitri Payet, making his first start since being poleaxed by Everton's James McCarthy at the beginning of November.

The French midfielder was in sublime form as he almost single-handedly turned the game in West Ham's favour during the second half, after the Cherries had taken an early lead through Harry Arter.

And whilst Enner Valencia will take the headlines thanks to a second half brace, it was his French team mate who pulled all the strings as the Hammers came from behind to secure another impressive win.


It's been nearly three months since Slaven Bilic's side managed a victory away from home and at half time in this evening's clash it looked as if that wait would be extended for another week, at least.

Bournemouth, boosted by new ??9million signing Benik Afobe had secured a half time advantage courtesy of Arter's 16th minute opening goal - a fierce drive that goalkeeper Adrian uncharacteristically allowed to slip through his grasp.

Even worse for West Ham was that Andy Carroll, whose recent form had led to an England recall being mentioned in despatches had been substituted before that after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring strain.

But West Ham came out of the blocks fighting and the key change came on the hour mark, when James Tomkins was replaced at right back by the mroe adventurous Carl Jenkinson.


Within six minutes West Ham had drawn level, thanks to a top-class free kick frp, {ayet. His effort, taken just left of centre came back off the underside of the crossbar with 'keeper Artur Boroc well beaten.

And there was little the Polish stopper could do to prevent West Ham going ahead for the first time in the game on 74 minutes when good awareness from Payet and substitute Jenkinson led to Valencia's first goal of the night.

The full-back's quickly taken throw on caught the Cherries off-guard, Payet slipped the ball through Charlie Daniels' legs and centred for the Ecuadorian striker, who made no mistake with a shot from point blank range.

Yet there was still more joy to come for West Ham's merry band of travelling fans, who had given their team fantastic support throughout the evening.



Six minutes from the end of normal time a West Ham free kick, left of the penalty area appeared to demand a cross - but Valencia had other ideas and spotting Boruc flat-footed, lifted the ball over the wall into the near post.

The win lifts West Ham up a notch into fifth place in the Premier League, above Manchester United who were held to a 3-3 draw at Newcastle.

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Player Ratings

Adrian San Miguel Del Castillo
Had a Howler for Arter's goal but responded well and kept the Cherries at bay thereafter.


James Tomkins
Defended manfully but provided little going forward, hence his replacement on the hour mark.


Aaron Cresswell
Considerably better than his last run out against Bournemouth in which he haad a shocker.


James Collins
Solid enough once again and giving Bilic a real selection headache.


Angelo Ogbonna
The pick of our defenders on the night - some great challenges and interceptions.


Pedro Obiang
Excellent on Saturday against Wolves and another good performance here. Growing week by week.


Mark Noble
Worked like a trojan and put in one or two meaty challenges - especially against former team mate Stanislas.


Michail Antonio
Not quite up to his recent performances but still doing enough to justify his recent inclusion.


Dimitri Payet
Simply put, his stunning free kick and centre for our second goal changed the game. The match winner.


Enner Valencia
He scored twice but should have had three or four. Hopefully the goals will give him renewed confidence. Continued his uncanny knack of being able to strike the ball like no other human being - the dip he achieved on the free kick appeared to defy the laws of physics.


Andy Carroll
Oh dear, what can you say. A great start only see see him trudge off with another (almost certainly) long-term injury. If the club were debating whether to sign a new striker this month, this probably made their minds up for them.



Substitutes

Nikica Jelavic
(Replaced Carroll) Put in the miles but provided very little in terms of quality or invention.


Carl Jenkinson
(Replaced Tomkins) His introduction changed the game - and his quick-thinking in the corner directly led to Valencia's first goal.


Alex Song
(Replaced Payet) Screened the back four for the final quarter-of-an-hour. Efffectively.


Darren Randolph
Did not play.


Winston Reid
Did not play.


Reece Oxford
Did not play.


Josh Cullen
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Adrian San Miguel Del Castillo, James Tomkins, Aaron Cresswell, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Mark Noble, Michail Antonio, Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll.

Goals: Dimitri Payet 66 Enner Valencia 74 Enner Valencia 83              .

Booked: Dimitri Payet 67          .

Sent off: None.

AFC Bournemouth: .

Subs not used: .

Goals: .

Booked: None booked..

Sent off: None.

Referee: Martin Atkinson.

Attendance: 11,071.

Man of the Match: Dimitri Payet.