Dec 17, (V7N) - A moment of magic from Enes Unal salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw for Bournemouth against West Ham on Monday, as the Turkey forward’s superb last-gasp free-kick canceled out Lucas Paqueta’s late penalty at the Vitality Stadium.

Late Drama Unfolds

Paqueta looked to have sealed all three points for West Ham when he coolly converted a penalty in the 87th minute, awarded after Tyler Adams was adjudged to have handled Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross. Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot after consulting the pitchside monitor, leaving Bournemouth frustrated.

But just three minutes later, Unal delivered a jaw-dropping equalizer, curling a perfect 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to extend Bournemouth’s unbeaten run to four games and lift them to sixth place in the table.

Managers React

Despite the late heroics, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was left fuming over the controversial penalty decision.

"Enes scored an amazing goal. He's a specialist. But it's only one point. I'm very disappointed with the penalty," Iraola said. "The handball didn’t affect the cross. I don’t care about the explanation now – it cost us."

Meanwhile, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui lamented the missed opportunity but took positives from the performance.

"We suffered but managed to score. It’s a pity because it was an incredible goal from Unal. Still, this is a first step to becoming a stronger and better team," Lopetegui said.

Action-Packed Contest

Bournemouth, who have already defeated Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal at home this season, started brightly. Antoine Semenyo nearly opened the scoring early on, striking the post after a slick move with Evanilson.

West Ham, dangerous on the break, responded through Jarrod Bowen, whose curling effort rattled the crossbar, and Carlos Soler, who fired narrowly wide.

Bournemouth pushed hard, with Lukasz Fabianski producing a string of fine saves to deny Dango Ouattara and Ryan Christie. But when Adams was penalized for handball late on, Paqueta stepped up to give West Ham the lead with a composed finish.

Unal, however, ensured the points were shared, securing his second goal of the season with a strike worthy of the highlight reels.

Key Stats and Standings

Bournemouth have now scored a league-high 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season.

West Ham remain 14th, seven points clear of the relegation zone, while Bournemouth continue their push for European qualification.

The Cherries will feel they deserved more, but Unal’s brilliance ensured a fitting end to a pulsating encounter.

END/WSD/RH