We take a closer look at Dimitri Payet's performance against Bournemouth
‘We’ve got Payet!’ sang the West Ham United fans long into the night at AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday, and everyone connected with the Hammers will be delighted that they do after another virtuoso performance from the midfield schemer.
Making his first start since suffering an ankle injury back in November, Payet reminded the watching world of what they had been missing in the intervening two months as he dragged the Hammers back from a goal down, helping them secure a fourth straight win.
The No27 curled home a beautiful free-kick to level the scores after 67 minutes of the Vitality Stadium clash, before wriggling clear of Charlie Daniels and Juan Iturbe to lay on Enner Valencia’s goal for 2-1.
He departed the action after 78 minutes well satisfied with a good night’s work that meant the Hammers moved above Manchester United and up to fifth in the Barclays Premier League table.
As the heartbeat of West Ham as an attacking force, Payet was unstoppable in the second period as Slaven Bilic’s men turned the game on its head following Harry Arter’s 17th minute opener
Making his first start since suffering an ankle injury back in November, Payet reminded the watching world of what they had been missing in the intervening two months as he dragged the Hammers back from a goal down, helping them secure a fourth straight win.
The No27 curled home a beautiful free-kick to level the scores after 67 minutes of the Vitality Stadium clash, before wriggling clear of Charlie Daniels and Juan Iturbe to lay on Enner Valencia’s goal for 2-1.
He departed the action after 78 minutes well satisfied with a good night’s work that meant the Hammers moved above Manchester United and up to fifth in the Barclays Premier League table.
As the heartbeat of West Ham as an attacking force, Payet was unstoppable in the second period as Slaven Bilic’s men turned the game on its head following Harry Arter’s 17th minute opener
Earning a rating of 9.0 on football stats side WhoScored.com, Payet had 69 touches of the ball – more than any other attacking player on the Vitality Stadium pitch.
As his touch map shows, he popped up all over the pitch as the Hammers pressed for a route back into the game – eventually knocking the Bournemouth door down.
Completing an evening where he made 57 passes, took two shots on – both on target – and completed two dribbles, Payet’s influence was clear for all to see.
Analyse the game for yourself with our in-depth Match Centre here.
As his touch map shows, he popped up all over the pitch as the Hammers pressed for a route back into the game – eventually knocking the Bournemouth door down.
Completing an evening where he made 57 passes, took two shots on – both on target – and completed two dribbles, Payet’s influence was clear for all to see.
Analyse the game for yourself with our in-depth Match Centre here.