Zian Flemming's late double secured a thoroughly deserved point for Burnley as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with West Ham in their Championship opener at Turf Moor. The visitors, who led through Maximilian Kilman and Manor Solomon, rarely looked comfortable as they sat back, something that eventually cost them.
West Ham's early control
West Ham were put under pressure early on, only surviving through Burnley's poor decision-making and inept finishing. Their captain, Jarrod Bowen, who committed to the club rather than seek a quick return to the top flight this summer, provided the corner that found Kilman at the back post after he lost Aaron Ramsey in the box.
Considering West Ham are favourites to go back up, this fortuitous lead should have been a foundation to build on, but little attempt was made to seek a second. They were passive for long periods, composed in possession, but Burnley were able to counter at speed through the midfield and cause problems, only to lack the composure to make the most of those situations.
Burnley's fightback
Nuno Espírito Santo tried to rectify the faltering midfield by sending on James Ward-Prowse for the anonymous Pablo, but it made no difference as Burnley came out the better side, pinning West Ham back repeatedly. Flemming appeared destined to not score, finding the fans, goalkeeper, the inside of the post and Ollie Scarles on the line rather than the back of the net.
West Ham reminded everyone that they possess Premier League quality as Mohamadou Kanté made light work of Marcus Edwards on the right wing before pulling the ball back to Solomon to slam home from close range. This was their second and final shot on target, both leading to goals.
Dramatic finish
Flemming had other ideas as things finally clicked, aided by Scarles crudely taking out Edwards in the box, allowing the striker to settle his nerves after 83 minutes of near misses and create tension in the West Ham ranks. It worked as the visitors failed to clear a corner which Flemming swept home in the second minute of added time, further explaining why he has attracted transfer interest.
Asked if Flemming will stay, Burnley manager Nicky Hayen, who is desperate not to lose his talisman, said: "It does not help that he scored twice today." Hayen, celebrating his 46th birthday, took his team on a lap of honour after his first league game in charge. "We showed resilience and that's why I'm really satisfied for these boys because they worked really hard to change this game around and also how we did it," Hayen said.
Nuno will want more action in the transfer market after the record Championship signing of Arne Engels from Celtic on Saturday. A striker is much needed as Taty Castellanos made little impact, while the aforementioned Pablo does not give the impression of a man who will fire West Ham to promotion. "The club knows the targets and the needs of the team. [We are] working very hard and trying to get the bodies in as soon as possible," Nuno said. "We need especially in the offensive part of the team."
