It was an open second half at the London Stadium, at times imitating a basketball game. What was lacking was both clear-cut chances and quality.
And at the end of Saturday night, there are no clearer signs as to what West Ham’s survival status will be - except now having one game less to get that 40 point mark.
In truth, it was a match the Hammers would have lost a few months back. A stronger defensive display to kept the Premiership's sixth-highest scorers at bay. Another clean sheet, preventing Bournemouth from scoring, the last time they failed to find the net being early December. Well organised at set pieces and some last-ditch defensive blocks, in front of a more confident-looking Mads Hermansen.
While there are certainly positives to take, the problem is that time is quickly running out to be fully satisfied with dropped points of any kind, particularly at home.
With five of the last six meetings between West Ham and Bournemouth finishing in a draw, it was unsurprising to see the Cherries head back to the south coast with a point. It was the first-ever game between the sides to finish scoreless.
The match stats highlighted the momentum being in West Ham's favour, with 13 shots at goal compared to the visitors' six. However, it was the common theme that's been evident all season, with just three of Nuno's sides' attempts hitting the target, while their opponents' on-target ratio was over 80%.
Iraola's post-match thoughts after West Ham 🗣️
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 21, 2026
Any Hammers breakthrough was seemingly likely to come from a set-piece or a stroke of luck that's desperately needed when battling for survival. Attacks from open play appeared instinctive; players lacked the confidence to know when to pull the trigger or how they could break down the Bournemouth back line.
Axel Disasi had the opportunity to open the scoring within the opening minute, scooping the ball over the bar following a dangerous in-swinging corner from captain Jarrod Bowen. The in-form Crysencio Summerville then almost converted Taty's perfect right-wing cross, although he lacked power with his effort on the stretch.
Andoni Iraola's side looked dangerous when they went forward, aided by substitutes such as the lively David Brooks. Rayan Chekri almost put his name in contention for 'Goal of the season' shortly after half-time. The Brazilian teenager's mazy run took him from inside his own half, his left-footed shot hitting the outside of Hermansen's right-hand post.
Aware of the need to get a winner, Nuno opted to pair both Taty and Callum Wilson together in attack during the second half, sensing the desperation. A spectacular overhead kick from the former Lazio man flew just past the post, before Wilson's flick was kept out by Dorde Petrovic.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo took the positives from the game.
"The boys competed really well, we were organised, we didn't allow too many chances in terms of Bournemouth, the way they play.
Of course, when the game opened up, it could go both ways, but that is the risk that we acknowledge and we wanted to take.
But overall, it was a good performance, and I'm sad about the result because we almost got there.
The chances that we created could have been different, but I’m proud of the way the boys worked.
There are many things that we are improving and today we showed that we are resilient, we were compact, we didn't allow chances, we had good possession."
“Let’s keep going, keep believing”
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 21, 2026
Hear from the gaffer after today’s draw 🗣️
The effect of the draw won't be fully known until Nottingham Forest's game against Liverpool on Sunday. The Hammers' points tally now sits at 25, with 11 games to play. There is still time, and everything is within the East London clubs' hands.
However, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City coming up, plus Arsenal and Aston Villa still to play, opportunities to get to a points tally expected to be higher than usual this season are gradually reducing.
The phrase 'must win' will no doubt take on greater importance week-by-week as May approaches.
