Atsu sits out Bournemouth's first ever top-flight win

Christian Atsu was not part of the Bournemouth squad which earned their first ever top-flight win as they beat West Ham United 4-3 on the road on Saturday.

The Ghana winger is yet to gain full fitness after picking up a back injury in their final pre-season match.

Atsu, on-loan from Chelsea, has missed all three matches for the Cherries in the top-flight.

He trained with the team on Wednesday, but manager Eddie Howe did not want to rush him.

Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson grabbed a hat-trick in the dramatic encounter.

Wilson scored twice in the first half with first-time finishes, with left-back Aaron Cresswell at fault for both.

Mark Noble scored a penalty for West Ham and Cheikhou Kouyate levelled.

Marc Pugh put the Cherries ahead from 16 yards and Wilson scored a penalty, with Carl Jenkinson sent off, before Modibo Maiga ensured a tense finale.

Jenkinson’s sending off, for a foul on the lively Max Gradel, was West Ham’s fifth red card of the season.