Evanilson’s close-range double helped Bournemouth draw 2-2 at West Ham United as the Cherries continued their pursuit of European football next season.
This was a meeting of two out-of-form sides, both in desperate need of a victory, and although Bournemouth are now winless in six league matches, Andoni Iraola’s team still finished the day just five points behind sixth-placed Newcastle United, albeit having now played a game more than those also chasing a European spot.
After a scrappy opening in the sunshine, the Cherries made the breakthrough seven minutes before half-time with the help of West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who spilled Antoine Semenyo’s low shot straight to Evanilson, who could not miss from five yards out.
The goal was checked by the Video Assistant Referee Jarred Gillett, with the Brazilian just onside as the visitors went in ahead at the break, but Hammers boss Graham Potter then rang the changes and they worked as his side hit back to lead thanks to two brilliant headed goals.
Substitute Niclas Fullkrug scored the first just past the hour mark, rising highest to power home James Ward-Prowse’s corner from the right, before some neat footwork by the returning Mohammed Kudus set up Jarrod Bowen for an equally impressive header into the far corner.
The Hammers thought they had done enough for what would have been a much-needed three points, only for Evanilson – unmarked at the far post – to get on the end of Dean Huijsen’s header and earn Bournemouth a share of the spoils after another VAR check for offside against the striker.
