JARROD BOWEN SCORES DEBATABLE WINNER AS WEST HAM PIP BOURNEMOUTH 1-0 IN CARABAO CUP

West Ham moved into the third round of the Carabao Cup thanks to a dramatic late win over fellow Premier League side Bournemouth.

In the 88th minute, and with the game heading to a penalty shootout, the Hammers scored a fortunate winner as Mohammed Kudus’ shot bounced off Jarrod Bowen and past Cherries goalkeeper Neto.

The Bournemouth coaching staff felt the ball had hit Bowen’s arm, but with the video assistant referee (VAR) system not in use, the goal was allowed to stand, much to the visitors’ frustration.

Andoni Iraola’s side had been on the wrong end of a controversial VAR handball decision at the weekend when Dango Ouattara was denied a potential late winner in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

At London Stadium, Bournemouth will also be left wondering how they exited the competition.

The best chances had fallen to the visitors, with Marcus Tavernier hitting the post with an inswinging free-kick. He also forced a good save from Lukasz Fabianski, who also did well to keep out Ouattara’s clever flick when the ball was behind him.

The hosts struggled to get into the game in the opening half hour, taking 41 minutes to have an effort on target. Niclas Fullkrug, in his first start for the Hammers since his £27m move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, headed it tamely at Neto.

The Germany forward also did well to release Crysencio Summerville but the Dutchman, last season’s Championship player of the season at Leeds, could only fire wastefully off target.

With penalties looming, Bowen had an effort pushed wide by Neto, but the keeper was beaten minutes later as the Hammers claimed the controversial victory.

Kesh Awefada

Kesh Awefada

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