They owed the flawless appearance of their goalkeeper Nick Pope, as West Ham lost the opportunity to consolidate its position in the top six.
It would be hard to imagine two more strongly opposite moods than these between these clubs before the start. As West Ham look to the future with enthusiasm, many at Burnley are mourning the past after Dietz’s departure from the Lancashire team after almost 10 years as coach.
West Ham returned victorious from Lyon, one of the great nights in the history of the club, with their mouths watering from the prospect of a Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt later this month. Maybe he had done his tax that night.
Burnley, meanwhile, faced the unknown experience of preparing for a top-flight game without the man who was the Premier League’s longest-serving manager until Friday, when he was sacked, along with a number of behind-the-scenes staff, by owner Alan. Step.
Under-23 coach Mike Jackson, who played for David Moyes in Preston, was responsible for this trip to the capital and admitted that the players were “shocked” after Dietz’s departure.
It seems, at first glance, a confusing decision, especially given the time. Such was his presence at Turf Moor, whoever succeeds Dyche will need to quickly create a new culture, while attempting the increasingly frightening task of keeping Burnley.
After a crucial 3-2 win over Everton 11 days ago, goalkeeper Pope said: “We are not dead yet.”
He came to the rescue of his team with a great performance that started in the 12th minute with a nice rebound to repel Jarrod Bowen who shot in the top corner after a clever corner routine that had seen Declan Rice disguise a pass on the edge. of the area. .
A few minutes later, it was Burnley captain James Tarkovsky who kept the score, clearing the line after Aaron Creswell threw Ben Johnson’s deep cross into the bottom corner.
Burnley’s fate sank further in the middle of the half as a harmless clash between Nikola Vlasic and Westwood saw Burnley’s midfielder contract in agony and immediately signal for help, while Vlasic burst into tears as Westwood left. stretcher field after a long delay.
