Callum Wilson wins heart of Tony Cottee after West Ham heroics vs Bournemouth
Tony Cottee wasted no time in hailing Callum Wilson after his first-half heroics versus Bournemouth.
West Ham travelled to Bournemouth to take on Andoni Iraola’s side at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, with hopes of making it three Premier League wins in a row.
There have been concerns over West Ham’s attack, but Wilson‘s 45-minute performance may have given Nuno Espirito Santo an easy decision moving forward.
Despite not being able to hold on in the 2-2 draw, there were plenty more positives to take.
Callum Wilson praised for stunning first-half brace vs Bournemouth
West Ham were tipped for defeat against Bournemouth, but Wilson took the game by the scruff of the neck early on for the Hammers.
The striker opened up the scoring after 11 minutes, after taking down Alphonse Areola’s long ball and firing in from 20 yards.
The Englishman then doubled the Irons’ lead and his own tally for the day when converting a smart finish following a set-piece situation in the 35th minute.
- It’s Wilson’s first league double in over two years
- He had three shots
- West Ham only had four shots in total in the first half
Former West Ham player Cottee loved Wilson continuing his form, as he looks a man reborn under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Cottee said: “Get in there. That second goal was needed. Brilliant performance so far from Wilson.”
Wilson was subbed early in the second half, as he continues to earn protection following years overshadowed by consistent injuries.
The striker’s performance has made for an interesting decision come the January transfer window.
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West Ham may not need a new striker in January
The summer signing of Wilson never fully convinced Hammers fans that he was the man to lead the line for the entirety of this season.
Doubts were understandable considering the striker’s age of 33, but now Nuno needs to make a January decision.
Niclas Fullkrug is on his way out of West Ham, which leaves Wilson as the main number nine option for the Irons.
Wilson has now given himself the best chance at seeing out the rest of the campaign as West Ham’s first-choice striker with his performance against the Cherries.
Either way, another new option would be welcomed with open arms.
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