Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal scored a superb last-minute free-kick to earn his side a deserved point at the end of an open and entertaining match with West Ham.

Lucas Paqueta’s controversial late penalty looked set to seal victory for the Hammers but Unall stepped up to hammer past Lukasz Fabianski from 25 yards.

Both sides hit the woodwork and shared numerous chances without goalkeepers Capa and Fabianski – who were both in top form – finding a way through.

But when Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross was adjudged by referee Chris Kavanagh to have struck the arm of Bournemouth sub Tyler Adams – following a VAR review – Paqueta held his own to put West Ham ahead.

The Brazilian ran off to celebrate with under-pressure manager Julen Lopetegui but moments later a frantic challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos gave the hosts a free-kick.

Hang it in the closet 🎨 pic.twitter.com/9SO9wTQiid

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 16, 2024

Unal – who came on to replace Evanilsson in the 80th minute – then deflected the free-kick over the wall and into the top corner.

Bournemouth could have moved up to fifth with victory, but will be worried about keyman Antoine Semenyo, who departed in the second half with an apparent injury.

“That’s my distance!”

Cara and Henry analyze Unal’s free-kick 👏 pic.twitter.com/07VbGQszBb

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 16, 2024

Andy Iraola’s men have climbed above Aston Villa to reach the top six. West Ham are 14th having avoided defeat in two consecutive league games for only the third time this season.

The Cherries had 29 shots in the game – West Ham had 16 of their own – but repeatedly failed to find the killer touch in front of goal.

Semenyo and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen both hit the woodwork with efforts from the edge of the area in the first half as both sides posed a serious threat on the break.

Paqueta is yet to miss a spot for the Hammers and thought he had won it but Bournemouth have scored more goals with the subs than any other side in the competition and Unall’s stunner was their eighth.