West Ham United secured a vital 3-2 victory over relegation rivals Burnley at the London Stadium. This match was marked by significant unrest among West Ham fans, who staged a protest before kickoff.
Protest by West Ham Fans
Prior to the game, thousands of West Ham supporters marched through Stratford. They carried a coffin and hearse, symbolizing their dissatisfaction with the club’s management. This display of discontent set a tense atmosphere for the match.
Match Highlights
The game began with Burnley taking an early lead. Striker Zian Flemming scored in the first half, heading in from Lesley Ugochukwu’s cross. Although there was a VAR check for offside, the goal was confirmed.
West Ham’s Comeback
West Ham managed to equalize late in the first half. Callum Wilson scored from close range after Crysencio Summerville’s deflected shot fell to him.
In the second half, it took West Ham around 30 minutes to pose a serious threat. Tomas Soucek played a crucial role in their next two goals:
- Soucek scored from close range after Martin Dubravka misjudged a cross from Lucas Paqueta.
- His long-range shot was parried by Dubravka, allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to score from close range.
Final Moments
As the match neared its conclusion, Burnley found the net again. Josh Cullen scored following a mistake by West Ham’s goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, ensuring a tense finish.
Current Standings
Despite the victory, West Ham remains in 18th place in the Premier League standings. They are now level on points with Burnley but trail on goal difference.
This match highlighted the ongoing struggles for both teams as they fight to avoid relegation.
