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Despair and rancour still pervade the halls of the home ground, a place that remains nothing like home for West Ham United. Though, optimism persists. Another victory at home in succession for Nuno Espírito Santo’s team, with the crucial strike coming from old faithful Tomas Soucek. Beating a rival in the drop zone Burnley could be crucial in the battle to avoid Championship football at the London Stadium next season.

Fan Discontent Hits New Heights

Fans had already expressed once again, and in clear language, what they think of the board members managing the club. Following a demonstration against a previous opponent, staying away from the match versus Brentford, and a sit-in versus the Magpies, disgruntled fans staged a march. A sign declared “15 years of failing West Ham United”. The service road that surrounds the stadium was packed with thousands of demonstrators, and the entrance for executive vehicles was barricaded. Dark-colored balloons floated, a symbolic casket was borne aloft as supporters chanted that West Ham had “sold our soul” by relocating to the ex-Olympic venue.

The first home win of the campaign against the Magpies had done nothing to dim dissatisfaction with co-owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. Though hardly the first protest of their stewardship, a tipping point is being reached. That will only be furthered by the still lingering threat of the drop.

Game Summary

Optimism before kickoff were at least displayed by Freddie Potts, teenage star of that Newcastle win, once more in the lineup in midfield. He has the look of the classic West Ham midfielder: erect, strolling, capable of picking a pass, with plenty of aggression in the tackle, as shown in an first-half foul to stop Loum Tchaouna.

Clarets’ boss their gaffer was a similar type for West Ham, the key figure of their 2010-11 relegation season. The Burnley squad initially showed the caution of an outfit who had registered – with seven point four – the all-time worst shots per match across a Premier League season to date.

If Flemming had met Quilindschy Hartman’s cross, Burnley could have grabbed an early lead. West Ham failed to improve the mood of a home ground echoing with conversation rather than singing, and by the 20-minute mark, Burnley were setting about boost that attempts statistic. Lucas Paquetá received his fifth yellow of the term and therefore a ban for smashing into Florentino Luís.

Turning Points

• Flemming got to live twice by nodding in Burnley’s goal, allowed by a defender to nod in. Their lack of attempts is levelled out by a clinical finishing.
• It was then that West Ham raised their game, Jarrod Bowen’s shot deflecting wide, the striker at last involved in proceedings. Once Crysencio Summerville dribbled into the area, the number nine headed in to level the score on the stroke of half time.
• Having played for rivals Millwall, the attacker was heckled from home fans, but continued to show good technique while spearheading the attack, and headed another chance narrowly over the bar.

Despite a taped Ray Winstone rallying cry in the stadium areas; the supporters were slow to return to their seats following halftime.

Late Game Action

The youngster’s injury with a muscle problem was further disappointment for home fans, Soucek replacing him before West Ham had an better period, Summerville’s buzzing movement to the front, though the forward was lacking his usual influence.

Parker, sensing an away win was possible, introduced two substitutes, with Flemming and Ugochukwu making way. Nuno’s withdrawal of Wilson for Soungoutou Magassa, showed his lack of options in the forward line.

Soucek remains a key figure for West Ham, his deck of important goals usually as untidy as his close-range bundling home of a Paquetá shot, following a corner, that the Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka only parried into the Czech’s path. Their earlier organization and effectiveness had vanished as Walker-Peters wrapped up the points after a surge from Soucek. Burnley were tied on points with the Hammers in the table until Josh Cullen’s dying-seconds goal, another messy finish after a error by a goalkeeper in the Frenchman, separated them. A tough journey lies ahead for both.