AFC Bournemouth hosted West Ham United at Dean Court yesterday, and although being 2-0 down at halftime, the point for Andoni Iraola’s side very much felt like two points dropped rather than one gained. A lot was learned from a topsy turvy affair – here are five things I have picked out from the contest:

1. The first half was a worrying glimpse into a Semenyo-less future

The first half was not the easiest watch from a Bournemouth perspective. Former favourite Callum Wilson grabbed a brace, with two very soft goals that were easily avoidable. But at the other end of the pitch, Iraola’s side looked fairly toothless, struggling without Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert. AFCB had 73% possession, but other than a good chance for David Brooks, really never looked like scoring. There were little options on the ball, but it was not being moved nearly quickly enough, nor were they brave enough on the ball. The Hammers led, but they hadn’t needed to do much, and they weren’t under much threat either. It’s always been said that AFCB struggle against low blocks, and it looked like another one of those days.

2. The second half was very, very encouraging

Lots of people don’t believe in xG (expected goals) as a stat, which is fair, but it can be used here to highlight the difference from the first half to the second. In the first half, the xG was just 0.56, compared to 3.49 in the second half. If you don’t like xG, it can be highlighted that in the first half we had seven shots, and 21 in the second, creating four big chances compared to none in the first half. It’s really incredible that AFCB managed not to win that game – undoubtedly the man of the match was West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola, who was having his own ‘save of the season’ competition. He made 10 saves, eight of which came from inside the box, with chances you would expect the Cherries to score. It could be argued that he shouldn’t have had a chance to save the majority of those chances, and that is fair. It was extremely encouraging to see AFCB create so much against a low block, a truly relentless half when there was really only one team in it. Whilst the first half was worrying, the dominance and chances created without Semenyo and Kluivert was very good to see.

3. No one deserved that moment more than Enes Unal

Enes Unal probably couldn’t have scripted that any better. Having made his comeback for a couple minutes against Nottingham Forest, not touching the ball, this was his second appearance since his second ACL injury sustained in January. Within a minute of coming on, he found some space between the West Ham backline, was found by Marcos Senesi, and turned and finished absolutely brilliantly on his left foot. It was a moment that evidently meant so much to him, as shown by his reaction after the ball hit the back of the net. He was unlucky not to have scored again, once finding himself in an identical position, but not quite getting the ball out of his feet before Jean-Clair Tobido tackled well, as well as a good save from Areola (one of many) denying him after the ball ricocheted to him in the area. As a fan, it’s unimaginable to think of all the challenges Unal has had to face over the last 10 months, especially as it was his second ACL rupture, but it was fantastic to see him on the scoresheet and getting serenaded by the fans. With injuries in attacking areas, having Unal back fit and firing could be huge ahead of the busy festive schedule.

4. Evanilson DESPERATELY needs a goal

Evanilson’s season so far could unfortunately not be summed up any better than when he was through on goal at 2-2, had the ball, was in front of his man, but slipped and saw the chance go begging. The Brazilian did win another penalty (his eighth since joining), although again, he might rather have had that goal for himself. His confidence seems at a real low in front of goal, with a couple of headers I feel an inform Evanilson would have done better with. His all round game was still good in my opinion, despite what others say, but you want more from your £40M striker than one goal in 10 league appearances. I would continue with him in the lineup next weekend, especially at a tough, physical place to go, but we need that goal to come sooner rather than later.

5. Cook + Christie deserve to start next weekend

Lewis Cook made his first start of the season, playing right back, with Alex Jimenez and Adam Smith (who both came on to play there eventually) on the bench. But Cook was, for me, outstanding in the second half, where he played centre back. His defensive duties weren’t tested, with West Ham only having one shot in the second half, but he drove the team forward and increased the intensity tenfold by moving the ball with much more urgency from the back. He completed the most passes (84) in the match, and created the most chances (five). He also made 15 defensive contributions and won 5/5 ground duels in a top overall performance. Also increasing the intensity was Ryan Christie, who was brought on for Alex Scott at halftime. Christie made seven passes into the final third – compared to Scott’s two. Of course, Scott has had a brilliant season, but Christie helped change the game, adding more bite and urgency into the midfield. Again, at such a tough place to go next weekend, Christie could be key in that midfield battle. For me, he has earned the chance for another opportunity from the off, having only made one league start this season.

It really was the proverbial game of two halves, and at half time I would’ve found it unlikely that getting a point would be seen as two points dropped, but with all those chances created, it’s hard to feel any other way. Hopefully, important lessons were learned, and Iraola’s side can carry that momentum from the second half into next week’s long journey to the North East.