Not Ideal But West Ham Do Finally Look a Team Again

West Ham United may not have secured the much-needed win at the London Stadium against AFC Bournemouth yesterday, but there were several positives to take.

First and foremost, the Hammers played well — and probably deserved all three points against one of the league’s form sides.

It’s also worth noting that while Andoni Iraola was serving a touchline ban, Bournemouth had won on the previous two occasions he’d been absent. So a clean sheet against this Cherries side is not to be sniffed at.

At the back, Konstantinos Mavropanos led an impressive defensive display in front of Mads Hermansen, whose handling looked particularly assured on a slippery, rain-soaked pitch.

Further forward, Crysencio Summerville looked his usual dangerous self, while Taty Castellanos once again impressed by leading from the front.

It’s only the second time I’ve seen Castellanos live for West Ham, and I spent large spells watching him closely — his runs, his demands of team-mates, the way he presses defenders and links so much of West Ham’s best play. His energy levels are relentless.

Signs of Togetherness at Last

Soungoutou Magassa enjoyed a strong first half before being forced off injured, with Mohamadou Kanté stepping in.

From my seat next to the dugout, I could see Nuno Espírito Santo virtually kicking every ball — constantly being updated and advised by the ever-animated Paco Jémez.

It wasn’t the three points West Ham desperately wanted, but Bournemouth are a very good side with genuine quality — and it’s also worth remembering that the Hammers themselves are not in bad form.

Yes, the bench still looks light. And the lack of meaningful January recruitment may yet come back to haunt the club.

That part is firmly on the board.

But for now, I’m happy to report something we haven’t been able to say for a while:

Belatedly, West Ham finally look like a team.

And more importantly — they’re scrapping for their lives.