Max Kilman's 10th-minute header gave West Ham a 1-0 half-time lead over Burnley in the Championship at Turf Moor. The visitors dominated possession with 63 per cent and created the clearer chances, while Burnley were bright on the break but wayward with their shots.
Kilman breaks the deadlock
Kilman scored his first goal for West Ham in his 68th appearance, nodding down Jarrod Bowen's pinpoint corner at the far post. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from the visitors, who had already tested the Burnley defence with early attacks.
Burnley responded positively, with Zian Flemming having the first shot of the day – a volley just over the bar – and Aaron Ramsey sending a shot wide from the edge of the box. But West Ham remained in control, with Bowen and Manor Solomon causing problems down the flanks.
Burnley's bright moments
Burnley had their best spell just before the break, with Bashir Humphreys dribbling through midfield to win a free-kick, and Flemming forcing a save from Mads Hermansen with a crisp header. However, they failed to convert their pressure into clear-cut chances.
West Ham made a change at half-time, bringing on James Ward-Prowse for Pablo, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The visitors looked comfortable, with Bowen moving inside to play as a second striker.
Context and team news
The match was the first meeting between the sides in the Championship for 14 years. West Ham were widely tipped to finish first in the second tier, while Burnley were predicted to come sixth. Burnley had won only one league game since October, and had lost twice to West Ham in that period.
Burnley made one change from their Carabao Cup XI, with Max Alleyne – signed on loan from Manchester City on Friday – coming into the back three. West Ham also made one change, with Manor Solomon replacing Edson Alvarez.
