Bournemouth continued their losing start to the new Premier League season on Sunday afternoon, losing by a single goal to West Ham United.

Michail Antonio headed home with just five minutes of normal time left to play to condemn Eddie Howe’s side to their second-successive defeat, as West Ham played their first league game at their new London Stadium

Harry Arter was sent off for the Cherries just moments before Antonio’s goal which ultimately swung the game in the Hammers’ favour.

VAVEL UK editor Sam Smith takes a look at how Bournemouth’s players fared.

Player ratings (Players must play for at least 15 minutes to get a rating)

Artur Boruc (5 out of 10) – Both sides struggled to test either goalkeeper throughout the game and this meant Boruc was unable to make a significant contribution. Was caught underneath Gokhan Tore’s cross for the goal.

Adam Smith (5 out of 10) – Had a really good game against Manchester United the previous week but couldn’t build on it. Cut inside and let fly from 25 yards but West Ham goalkeeper Adrian could almost treat it like a back pass.

Simon Francis (6 out of 10) – The captain had one nervy moment when he was almost caught in a foot race with the pacey Antonio but managed to get a toe to the ball first. Along with Steve Cook, dealt with the threat of Enner Valencia. Similar to Boruc, caught underneath the cross that Antonio headed in.

Steve Cook (6 out of 10) – Same as Francis. Valencia struggled to get into the game and this led to a rather simple afternoon for the centre-back. Could also have dealt with the cross that led to the goal better.

Charlie Daniels (5 out of 10) – Sloppy tackle in the first half led to a free-kick, although replays showed the contact with Tore was actually made inside the box - lucky escape. Service into the box was poor.

Poor midfield struggled to create chances

Jordon Ibe (4 out of 10) – has so far failed to prove why Bournemouth forked out a large £15 million for his signature in his first two games. Service to Callum Wilson was poor and he dawdled on the ball far too much. Performance was summed up when his free-kick from out wide sailed over the crossbar, despite actually intending to cross. Substituted soon after. Bad day at the office for the promising winger. 

Harry Arter (3 out of 10) – The midfielder’s sending-off for two yellow cards was stupid and ultimately cost his side. First was either for a blatant handball to prevent a cross, or the fact he shouted in the face of the linesman. Hauled down Cheikhou Kouyate to prevent a counter-attack and was rightly shown a second yellow. Off he went. West Ham scored six minutes later as the ten men retreated further back.

Andrew Surman (6 out of 10) – Broke up play well, passed with intent and was one of Bournemouth’s better players on an all-round disappointing afternoon for Howe’s men.

Ryan Fraser (5 out of 10) – Made his Premier League debut after an impressive loan spell at Ipswich Town last campaign. Appeared to be a promising talent in the opening stages but quickly faded out of the game and West Ham right-back Sam Byram ended up having quite an easy afternoon. Substituted just after the Hammers went ahead.

Arter goes off for being plain stupid | Photo: Reuters
Arter goes off for being plain stupid | Photo: Reuters

Wilson still returning from injury

Callum Wilson (4 out of 10) – Still coming back from his awful injury last season so we’ll spare him for this poor performance. Had one decent run at the West Ham defence but was quickly thwarted. Hardly got a touch of the ball afterwards. Appeared to lack confidence and a goal could do the world of good for a player with vast potential. Replaced by Lewis Grabban as Bournemouth looked for fresh impetus at the top of the pitch.

Josh King (5 out of 10) – Improved as the game went on and almost snatched an equaliser in stoppage time with an improvised effort. Not an ideal partner for Wilson in a two-man attack but certainly someone who can make a difference once again this season.

Substitutes

Lewis Grabban (5 out of 10) – Replaced Wilson with 74 minutes on the clock so just about qualifies for a rating. Didn’t do much in the time he had and you certainly have to question whether he’s Premier league standard.

Nathan Ake (N/A) – Replaced Ibe on 77 minutes and therefore does not qualify for a rating.

Dan Gosling (N/A) – Replaced Fraser on 85 minutes and therefore does not qualify for a rating. 

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About the author
Sam Smith
VAVEL UK sub-editor. Premier League and Football League accredited journalist.