Bournemouth 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
- Published
Callum Wilson's most recent goal had been against Sunderland on 19 September 2015
Callum Wilson's superb late goal earned Bournemouth victory over West Brom, their first Premier League win of the season.
The striker connected with Adam Smith's cross with a deft flick to put the ball just inside the post with 11 minutes remaining at the Vitality Stadium.
The home side had dominated the first half, with Wilson forcing West Brom keeper Ben Foster into a double save.
Matty Phillips hit the crossbar as West Brom improved after the break.
West Brom are 13th in the table, level on four points with Bournemouth but one place higher.
Wilson's goal was his first for almost a year, following a six-month lay-off with a medial knee ligament injury.
Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc denied Saido Berahino and Gareth McAuley with instinctive saves from close range early in the second half.
England midfielder Jack Wilshere came on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Bournemouth, his first appearance since joining on loan from Arsenal.
Ibe catches the eye
Jordon Ibe (left) and Brendan Galloway regularly tussled during the opening hour
Wilshere's unexpected move to the south coast grabbed the headlines on the final day of the transfer window but, while he sat on the bench, Bournemouth's record signing Jordon Ibe caught the eye.
The 20-year-old ex-Liverpool forward was a constant threat on Bournemouth's right wing, especially during the first half with a succession of shots and crosses.
He looked to have the better of West Brom's Brendan Galloway, also 20 and making his second Premier League appearance at left-back following his arrival on loan from Everton.
Galloway improved and even had a chance of his own after the break, driving a close-range shot from a tight angle at Boruc.
Ibe faded before being replaced by Wilshere just after the hour mark.
Wilshere watch
Jack Wilshere made 24 touches after appearing in the 63rd minute
The appearance of Wilshere helped Bournemouth get back on to the front foot, and he roamed the pitch trying to assert his influence.
Wilshere, 24, has not completed 90 minutes in the Premier League since 13 September 2014, and made two substitute appearances this season before leaving Arsenal.
At times on Saturday he pleaded for the ball, with one subtle touch inside the box to set up Junior Stanislas a reminder of his talent.
How Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe uses Wilshere will be one of the most interesting sub-plots of this season.
Wilshere will do great things - Howe
What they said
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "It's a massive day for us. In the first half we were totally dominant.
"There's such small margins between teams at this level. We had to be very patient, but it was a great goal by Callum Wilson.
"I'm really pleased for him. Players go through highs and lows. He's had a severe knock with his injury but he always shows enthusiasm and brightness and you could see from his celebration how much this meant to him."
Berahino situation has been difficult - Pulis
West Brom manager Tony Pulis: "For over a season Saido has been wrapped up in where he's going and he's playing in the top league in the world. You have to be mentally prepared - you can't just switch it on and off and he needs to understand that.
"In the 20 months I've been here he was a talisman for the first six months, but then we've lost him for the last year. It's been difficult.
"It's been an interesting club to manage. The way it's run is different, but also dealing with a player that has for two thirds of that period not doing really what he should be has been difficult."
Man of the match
West Brom's Jonny Evans was unlucky to finish on the losing side after a performance in which he showed all his experience to keep Bournemouth at bay until Wilson's winner
What's next?
Bournemouth visit leaders Manchester City, where they lost 5-1 last season, on 17 September at 15:00 BST. West Brom face West Ham at the Hawthorns at the same time.
The stats you need to know
Despite not scoring in almost one year, Wilson is still the Cherries' second highest goalscorer in the Premier League, with six (Joshua King has seven)
Bournemouth kept their first clean sheet in seven home league meetings with West Brom
The Baggies have scored only seven goals in their past 14 Premier League games
Since Tony Pulis took charge, West Brom have failed to score in 21 Premier League matches - the joint-highest number among current clubs in the division (level with Crystal Palace)
Bournemouth claimed their first home victory in the league since beating Swansea 3-2 in March
- Published20 June 2016
- Published7 June 2019
