This time David Moyes’ side had only themselves to blame for failing to turn chances into goals and needed Javier Hernandez – linked with a £7.5million move to Turkish giants Besiktas – to scramble an equaliser. 

Ryan Fraser’s slick finish in the 71st minute after former Hammer Junior Stanislas split the home defence with a through ball gave Bournemouth the lead. 

West Ham were shocked into mustering a quick response two minutes later, with Hernandez prodding in from close range to score his fifth goal of the season. 

It was a timely reminder of the Mexican’s worth after joining for £16m from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Moyes said: “There’s speculation about every man and his dog at this club. We’re short of numbers, we’ve got a few injuries to forwards and we needed Chicharito."