WIL WORTH THE MONEY

Bournemouth .... 2 West Ham .... 0 £75m hitman Callum lands a Hammer blow

CALLUM WILSON was fit, physically and mentally, and showed West Ham’s wantaway Marko Arnautovic the best way to respond to transfer rumours.

The Bournemouth striker, linked with Chelsea and the Hammers, underlined just why he is in demand.

Instead of sulking at being denied a megabucks move and refusing to play – like Arnautovic – he returned from a recent hamstring injury to produce a magnificent match-winning display.

How Eddie Howe’s side needed him firing on all cylinders after a wretched run of nine defeats in their previous 12 outings.

And Wilson did not disappoint his manager or team-mates as he capped an energetic afternoon with a quite stunning

53rd-minute half-volley.

His 10th goal of the season, plus Josh King’s late effort, was enough to halt the Cherries’ slide down the table – and West Ham’s own climb in the other direction.

The victory moved Bournemouth up to

12th. They now have 30 points, one less than Manuel Pellegrini’s disappointing Irons, who are 10th.

Howe was full of praise for Wilson’s attitude and application in the face of relentless gossip about his future.

He said: “I’ve not seen any reaction from him to the speculation. Callum has been in the game long enough to know there’s nothing you can do about it – apart from concentrate on your football.

“He knew how important this game was to us and he delivered a very good performance. It was a great strike.”

Pellegrini’s mood could scarcely have been more different when he explained why Arnautovic had not travelled.

The Chilean boss said: “The reason is because as a manager you must choose the players that work better during the week. Marko has his head on another issue so I thought it was not a good idea for him to play. I don’t think we need to continue talking about players that are not in the squad. I never complain about players who are not here.”

Pressed as to when the Austrian, wanted by two Chinese clubs, might play again, he said: “I don’t know.”

Andy Carroll led the visitors’ line – mostly with his elbow as he clattered both Steve Cook and Ryan Fraser early on. That was the start of a miserable afternoon for the big Geordie whose miss from three yards out early in the second half proved pivotal.

And if Pellegrini needed evidence that the ex-Newcastle man is not a suitable replacement for Arnautovic, the hopeless blaze over the bar was it.

Moments later the Hammers were paying the price as Wilson lit up the game with his fabulous 20-yard strike.

But the sight of their England ace hobbling off later on will be a concern for the hosts.

Howe added: “I’m not sure but I think it’s a knee problem.”