Burnley 1-1 West Ham 14th Oct 2017

Burnley 1-1 West Ham

Home team scorers
Chris Wood 85

Away team scorers
Michail Antonio 19

There are games that are defined by false nines. This was an afternoon that, for better and worse, revolved around old-fashioned target men. Long before Chris Wood headed Burnley’s equaliser, Andy Carroll had made a dramatic departure, sent off for two challenges that evoked earlier eras and invited suggestions of idiocy. His Burnley counterpart eventually ensured it cost West Ham and the points were shared in a game some had dubbed “El Claretsico”.

Truth be told, there was nothing classic about it. West Ham were denied back-to-back victories, Burnley a chance to defy footballing gravity and break into the top four, if only for a couple of hours. Each, in their own way, could feel they showed spirit; typically, in Burnley’s case, and importantly, for Slaven Bilic.

If some beleaguered managers become more cautious, the Croatian appeared to be more carefree. He selected an attack-minded quintet, seemingly looking for a team of all the talents. Crowbarring each in brought compromises, however, and there were times when the penalty-box poacher Javier Hernández became an ersatz midfielder.

If Bilic overloaded his side with progressive players in a bid to render West Ham more creative, the breakthrough came courtesy of the last line of their defence. Pep Guardiola had his doubts about Joe Hart’s distribution but the goalkeeper recorded a rare assist as Burnley’s defence, virtually flawless so far this season, were unlocked by something as simple as a punt forward. A stretching Ben Mee missed it. Michail Antonio met it, skipped past Nick Pope and slotted into the unguarded net. It was just the second league goal the Burnley goalkeeper has conceded this season.

West Ham’s forward-thinking five were soon reduced to a four, courtesy of the staggering stupidity of Carroll. The striker collected two yellow cards in as many minutes for clattering into Burnley’s centre-backs. First he elbowed James Tarkowski. Then he clattered into Mee, elbowed raised again, in the manner of a stranger to the concept that reckless challenges bring bookings. Referee Stuart Attwell took the only option available to him and Carroll exited, aggrieved at everyone bar himself.

It extended West Ham’s record of picking up the most Premier League red cards since Bilic’s appointment although, after Marko Arnautovic’s senseless sending off at Southampton, it feels harsh to fault the Croatian for the indiscipline of his supposed match-winners.

At least Carroll’s departure restored Hernández to the attack. Pedro Obiang came on to reinforce the midfield. The three remaining attacking players, Manuel Lanzini, Hernández and Antonio, combined slickly as the Englishman had a shot saved by Pope.

It was the clearest chance either side fashioned after the red card. Burnley, accustomed to excelling without the ball, are not suited to facing 10-man teams. Sean Dyche, normally an advocate of continuity, made a double change at half-time. One of those introduced, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, struck the base of the post with a low drive that then hit Hart in the back and his arrival eventually paid dividends. The Icelander crossed and Wood headed in just Burnley’s second home league goal of the season.

Guardian