Video: Bournemouth 1-3 West Ham – Dimitri Payet inspires an impressive comeback for the visitors

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Bournemouth threw away their early advantage as they were soundly beaten 3-1 by West Ham United at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The hosts took the lead through Harry Arter, but a Dimitri Payet-inspired second half comeback saw the Hammers walk away with an important three points.

The Cherries made just one change to the side that drew 0-0 with Leicester City in their last Premier League outing, with new signing Benik Afobe replacing Joshua King in attack.

West Ham made two changes to the team that comfortably beat Liverpool on 2nd January, with Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet coming in for Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini respectively.

The match was well-balanced for the opening 15 minutes – Andy Carroll started brightly and forced Boruc into an early save, while Junior Stanislas went close at the other end.

It quickly unravelled for the visitors, however. Carroll was forced off with an injury to his left leg following a tussle with Charlie Daniels and moments Harry Arter smashed in the opening goal.

The 26-year-old, who is in his seventh season with the club, picked up Andrew Surman’s pass, got the ball onto his right foot, and lashed home from more than 20 yards out. It was Arter’s first ever Premier League goal, but West Ham keeper Adrian will be disappointed not to have done better.

Aided by the wind, Bournemouth dominated the rest of the first 45 minutes. Moments after the goal Afobe headed over from six yards when he should have hit the target, Daniels forced Adrian into a fine save, and Afobe missed another easy chance when he tried to round the keeper instead of taking a shot.

The fit-again Payet went close for West Ham on the stroke of half time, but the hosts held on until the interval.

West Ham improved considerably at the start of the second half – they had the lion-share of possession and Ecuadorian forward Enner Valencia spurned two good chances.

Juan Iturbe came on to make his debut for Bournemouth, with the on-loan Roma player getting a warm reception.

West Ham’s pressure eventually paid off in the 67th minute, as Payet smashed in a free-kick off the bar, leaving Boruc with no chance. After his lengthy injury lay-off he understandably celebrated passionately, but was booked for his troubles.

Six minutes later the turnaround was complete. Payet picked up the ball near corner flag after a slip from Daniels, beat two players, and pulled the ball back for Valencia to volley home.

Bournemouth wanted a penalty with ten minutes remaining but Martin Atkinson, who hasn’t given a penalty all season, waved away the handball appeal.

The game was effectively over when Enner Valencia scored his second and West Ham’s third in the 85th minute. The goal once again came from a freekick, with Boruc left flat-footed as the 26-year-old got incredible dip on the ball from a wide angle.

The result moves West Ham up to fifth place and just one point outside the Champions League places. They are now unbeaten in eight. Bournemouth stay 16th, four points clear of the relegation zone and two points behind reigning champions Chelsea.

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Next up for West Ham is a trip to struggling Newcastle on Saturday, while Bournemouth will enjoy a second consecutive home game as they welcome Norwich to the south coast.

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