West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui expressed his disappointment after his side conceded a late equalizer to draw 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Hammers had taken the lead through a Lucas Paqueta penalty, awarded after a VAR review, but were pegged back by Enes Unal’s exceptional direct free-kick in the 90th minute.
Despite the frustrating outcome, Lopetegui was pleased with his team’s overall performance, particularly in the first half. “Today, I think the team showed very good behaviors as a team,” he said. “I was happy with how we played against a very good team in Bournemouth. Fair or not, it’s one point. We have to accept this.”
Lopetegui acknowledged that his side had been close to securing all three points, but ultimately fell short. “I prefer to be positive,” he said. “It was a frustration when you have lost two points so close to the end, but we have to keep the positive things and look forward with a positive mentality. I was happy with the mentality and the way that we played.”
One of the standout performers for West Ham was Paqueta, who was reintroduced to the starting lineup after beginning the previous two games on the bench. The Brazilian midfielder produced an impressive display, capped off by his well-taken penalty.
Lopetegui praised Paqueta’s adaptability and work rate, particularly in the face of a difficult opponent. “It was not easy for him, because in the first half he started on the right,” he said. “[Milos] Kerkez is one of the most dangerous left-backs in the Premier League, and he was very focused to defend him. He did well on the second balls, and after he changed the position, he did well.”
The draw leaves West Ham 14th in the Premier League table, while Bournemouth move up to sixth. Despite the disappointing outcome, Lopetegui remains optimistic about his side’s prospects. “We have to keep working and improving,” he said. “We have to be positive and look forward to the next game.”