Ever since Eddie Howe inexplicably decided to field a second-string team against Millwall in the third round of the FA Cup, Bournemouth have been in free fall. Without a win in 2016, the south coast club were starting to look nervously over their shoulders at the relegation area.
In what now seems to be a perennial opportunity for struggling clubs however, the chance to play West Ham is always welcome.
Despite missing two penalties, Bournemouth still managed to take all three points against the Hammers in a 3-2 win at the Vitality Stadium. A Joshua King hat trick -- his last strike coming in the 90th minute -- was enough to give the Cherries a bit of breathing space in the area just above the bottom three.
West Ham will be angry with the lost opportunity to take something from the game. An 83rd minute equaliser to make it 2-2 looked to be enough to take a point back to East London, but the Hammers are struggling defensively this season, and several players are playing well below par.
There's little doubt Slaven Bilic is having difficulty getting players to raise their game in what is now becoming another midtable scuffle. Team's like Howe's attractive footballing side have a competitive edge that West Ham lack. Bilic will have to work hard to stop the season ending in a dull whimper.