4 things we learnt from West Ham's win against Bournemouth
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

A 2-0 home win against Bournemouth ensured that West Ham enjoyed a meteoric rise from 17th, all the way up into the top half of the Premier League table.

Both of the hosts' goals had more than a slight element of contention about them.

Right on the brink of half-time, Kurt Zouma's faint touch diverted a Tomas Soucek header into the back of the net - this came after Thilo Kehrer's initial contact with Jarrod Bowen's corner seemed to come off of a combination of both his hand and body.

After a fairly quiet majority of the second half, Bournemouth were able to put West Ham under some serious pressure, heading into the final minutes of the game. 

This pressure was eventually lifted, as Vladimir Coufal's cross struck Jordan Zemura's hand; the contact with the defender's arm was clear. However, given the close proximity between the ball and Zemura and the fact that he was amidst a sliding motion to attempt to block the cross, the eventual penalty decision, following a VAR review, seemed harsh.

The spot-kick was coolly slot away by Said Benrahma and sent the home crowd home content with a fifth consecutive win at London Stadium.

Here are some of the main talking points from last night's fixture:

Hammers developing a positive home streak

Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

As mentioned, West Ham have extended their home winning streak to five games - a run instigated directly following their very positive performance in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham. 

It has to be noted that the opponents which they have faced within this run are not of an elite tier - FCSB, Wolves, Fulham, Anderlecht and Bournemouth. 

However, it has put right consecutive home defeats to start their league campaign - to Manchester City and Brighton, ensuring that their record at London Stadium is now looked at as a positive one. 

With important back-to-back home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leicester leading West Ham into the World Cup break, maintaining their home momentum into those final two games would go a long way towards solidifying and building on their current top half position.

Impressive defensive performances continue

Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

According to The Analyst's data - West Ham total of 0.97 xG conceded per match is only bettered by Manchester City (0.76) and Arsenal (0.96). 

Last night's fixture was another high-quality defensive performance. Bournemouth were only allowed a total of five attempts at Lukasz Fabianski's goal - none of which could be deemed as clear-cut opportunities.

Even with Craig Dawson missing through injury, the back four of Ben Johnson, Thilo Kehrer, Kurt Zouma and Aaron Cresswell performed amicably.

The imminent return of Dawson should see him partner Zouma at the heart of the West Ham defence, with Kehrer shifting back to the right side - where he already has experience playing in, this season.

With the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Emerson and Vladimir Coufal as other defensive options, this defensive unit is one with a good amount of both quality and depth. Should they be able to maintain their current level of performances, West Ham may feel positive about the possibilities of a successful domestic and European campaign.

This has been achieved, without the presence of West Ham's £30 million signing - Nayef Aguerd. The centre-back has been out of action, since an ankle injury suffered during pre-season. His upcoming return will add even more depth and quality to an already well-performing defence.

Cherries' luck begins to fade

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Bournemouth's six match unbeaten streak was halted, as a result of their disappointing home defeat against Southampton, last midweek.

Last night's trip to London was, evidently, also unproductive. Consecutive defeats may now lead to some questioning whether Gary O'Neil's 'honeymoon period' has come to an end.

It may seem harsh to criticise a newly-promoted team too much, after just two defeats. However, what seems, on the surface, as a very impressive unbeaten run, involved a great deal of fortune within it.

Within their draws against Wolves, Newcastle, Brentford and Fulham, The Cherries managed a combined 32 attempts at their opponents' goals - compared to the 69 which they allowed against them. 

Their total of 20.22 xG (Understat) conceded this season is the second-highest among all Premier League teams (only bettering Nottingham Forest's). Their total of 9.15 xPoints is also the lowest of all teams. 

This suggests that the way Bournemouth were able to gain their recent positive results will not be sustainable, going forward. They still, very much, have their work cut out, in their ambitions of maintaining their place in the Premier League.

January investment may be key to Bournemouth safety

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
 

A lack of quality within the Bournemouth 11 was evident, last night. The visitors were outclassed throughout and barring a decent spell towards the end of the game, never looked capable of troubling West Ham.

Bournemouth's squad is considerably the lowest valued on Transfermarkt. A combined market value of £158.3 million trails Fulham - the second lowest total, by over £50 million.

The summer signings of Marcos Senesi and Marcus Tavernier were Bournemouth's only additions - involving a transfer fee. Comparing this to the business done by fellow Premier League newcomers - Fulham and Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth's playing squad has been significantly left behind, both in terms of quality and depth.

Following the first 12 games of the season, Bournemouth have been comfortably able to avoid a spot in the relegation zone. Whether that will still be the case, after another 26, may depend heavily on their activity in the January transfer window.

Should the owners opt not to bring in useful reinforcements to their squad, it is difficult to see their current position being maintained.