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Frustration and anger still pervade the concrete corridors of the home ground, a place that remains far from their true home for the Hammers. However, optimism persists. Another home win in a row for the side managed by Nuno, with the key goal coming from old faithful the Czech midfielder. The defeat of fellow relegation contender Burnley could be crucial in the fight to avoid Championship football at the London Stadium next season.

Fan Discontent Hits a Peak

They already made it known yet again, and in clear language, what they think of the executives managing the club. Following a demonstration targeting a previous opponent, staying away from the Brentford game, and a sit-in versus the Magpies, disgruntled fans organized a protest walk. A banner declared “15 years of denying West Ham United”. The service road around the stadium was packed with thousands of demonstrators, and the entrance for executive vehicles was barricaded. Black balloons were released, a symbolic casket was borne aloft as fans sang that West Ham had “sold our soul” by moving to the former Olympic stadium.

That initial home victory of the campaign against the Magpies had done nothing to dim dissatisfaction with joint-owner the chairman and deputy chair Karren Brady. Though not the initial dissent 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, youth standout of that victory over Newcastle, again starting in midfield. He embodies of the classic West Ham midfielder: erect, strolling, able to distribute well, with plenty of aggression in the tackle, as evidenced by an first-half foul to stop an opponent.

Clarets’ boss their gaffer was a similar type for the Hammers, the key figure of their 2010-11 relegation season. The Burnley squad began with the carefulness of an outfit who had taken – with 7.4 – the all-time worst average shots per game across a Premier League season to date.

Had Zian Flemming connected with Quilindschy Hartman’s cross, the visitors could have grabbed an opening goal. West Ham did little to lift the atmosphere of a London Stadium echoing with chat rather than singing, and by midway through the first half, Burnley were setting about increasing that attempts statistic. Lucas Paquetá received his fifth yellow of the term and therefore suspension for smashing into Florentino Luís.

Turning Points

• Flemming got to live twice by nodding in the opener for Burnley, allowed by a defender to nod in. Burnley’s shot-shyness is balanced by a clinical finishing.
• It was then that the Hammers lift themselves, Jarrod Bowen’s shot deflecting wide, Callum Wilson at last involved in proceedings. Once Crysencio Summerville skated into the box, the number nine headed in to equalise on the stroke of half time.
• Having played for rivals Millwall, Flemming received some barracking from the crowd, but continued to show good technique while leading the Burnley line, and headed another chance narrowly over the bar.

In spite of a recorded Ray Winstone pep talk in the stadium areas; the supporters were late coming back to their places following halftime.

Second Half Drama

Potts pulling up with a strain was further disappointment for home fans, the Czech coming on before the team had an improved spell, the winger’s lively runs to the fore, though the forward was lacking his typical impact.

Parker, sensing an away win was possible, introduced Hannibal Mejbri and Armando Broja, with Flemming and Ugochukwu departing. The manager’s substitution of the goalscorer for Soungoutou Magassa, highlighted limited choices in attack.

The midfielder continues as a Hammers talisman, his deck of important goals usually as untidy as his close-range bundling home of a effort from Paquetá, following a corner, that the Burnley goalkeeper the shot-stopper only parried into the midfielder’s direction. Their earlier organization and efficiency had vanished as the full-back sealed the win after Soucek drove forward. Parker’s team were dead level with West Ham in the table until Josh Cullen’s dying-seconds goal, another untidy bundle home after a error by the keeper in the Frenchman, separated them. A tough journey lies ahead for both.