In the EFL Cup encounter on 28 August 2024, West Ham United edged out Bournemouth with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a solitary second-half goal. Throughout the match, the intensity was palpable with both teams displaying robust defensive tactics, yet the statistical differences highlighted West Ham's strategic edge.

West Ham committed twice as many fouls (12 to Bournemouth's 6), indicating a more aggressive approach in breaking up Bournemouth's play, which might have disrupted their attacking rhythms. Meanwhile, both teams shared similar discipline but West Ham accumulated four yellow cards to Bournemouth's two, suggesting that their aggression was on the cusp of overstepping at times but was crucial in maintaining their defensive solidity.

Set pieces played a significant role, with West Ham earning four corner kicks to Bournemouth’s five. The marginal difference in corners showed that Bournemouth had slightly more attacking opportunities but failed to capitalize, whereas West Ham’s defensive organization in set-piece scenarios proved effective in neutralizing these threats and eventually securing a clean sheet.

From an offensive standpoint, West Ham's lone goal came from a pivotal moment early in the second half, which was the culmination of their persistent yet balanced offensive pressure through the match. Both teams managed only one offside each, showing a certain level of discipline in attacking positioning but were perhaps overly cautious.

The impact of teamwork was evident through West Ham’s ability to cohesively manage the game despite their aggressive play. The team's defensive efforts were united, as seen in their willingness to commit fouls and suffer yellow cards for the greater good of disrupting Bournemouth's flow. Conversely, Bournemouth's fewer fouls and yellow cards reflected a possibly more conservative and less effective approach in this high-stakes cup fixture.

In conclusion, West Ham’s combination of strategic fouls, disciplined offside management, and opportunistic use of their set pieces were key factors in securing their hard-fought 1-0 victory. Bournemouth's inability to convert their corner chances and match West Ham's defensive aggression impacted their chances, ultimately leading to their narrow defeat.

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