Flemming double earns Burnley a draw with West Ham on Championship return

Zian Flemming scored twice late as Burnley drew with West Ham on Burnley’s return to the Championship on Sunday. Maximilian Kilman and Manor Solomon had put West Ham ahead earlier, but Flemming converted a penalty and then scored from a corner to secure a share of the points for the hosts.

Burnley began the match under question marks following the belated appointment of Nicky Hayen as head coach and a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market. Hayen, whose only previous coaching experience in the UK came in the Cymru Premier at Haverfordwest, celebrated his 46th birthday on Sunday and set his team out after two seasons of Scott Parker’s defensive approach with a more aggressive and progressive style. Relegation has already forced sales of key players at both clubs, while keeping Nuno Espírito Santo and Jarrod Bowen was noted as a significant moment for West Ham.

West Ham took an early lead when Maximilian Kilman nodded them in after Aaron Ramsey’s inept attempt at marking and a delivery from Jarrod Bowen. Kilman’s header arrived despite the centre-back having been heavily criticised since his £40m move from Wolves two years ago and despite his limited involvement for much of last season.

Although West Ham enjoyed more possession, Burnley were the more threatening side and repeatedly countered at speed and in numbers. The two teams managed only a solitary shot on target from seven attempts before the interval, and Flemming came closest for the hosts with three headers, the final one striking the inside of the post. Ollie Scarles was on the line to head clear another Flemming effort as Burnley pressure and frustration mounted.

Nuno Espírito Santo replaced Pablo Felipe with James Ward-Prowse in an attempt to add an extra body in midfield; Ward-Prowse had spent a forgettable six months on loan at Turf Moor in the second half of last season. West Ham then adopted a more conservative approach, seeking to protect their lead rather than extend it, and failed to register a shot in the first 25 minutes of the second half.

Mohamadou Kanté created space on the wing and found Manor Solomon, who smashed home from close range to seemingly put West Ham on course for victory. Burnley were awarded a penalty after Scarles scythed down Marcus Edwards crudely in the area; Flemming made no mistake from the spot and later produced the equaliser from a corner, prompting an eruption from the home support.

More games, less money but plenty of entertainment will make it a compelling Championship season for Burnley and West Ham. Both clubs enter the campaign adjusting to the effects of relegation, which has already led to the sale of key players.