Final: West Ham finish the year strong with a 2-1 victory over Burnley

FIRST HALF

West Ham United struggled to find the motivation to really show up to the match at the start of the first half. Hammers were content to play the clearance game and it cost them early on the counter.

Conceding seemed to give the Hammers the spark they needed as they began to pour on the attack. Not just in numbers, but with creativity as well. Ayew flicked on a beautiful ball that found Feghouli one on one with the keeper and he splashes the net in style.

There were plenty of nervy chances as the half closed. Andre Gray had a back heel in front of goal that was inches wide of the post. West Ham seemed almost content to just lock down defense towards the end of the half, a telling game plan perhaps for the start of the second.

It will be interesting to see if at any point, Slaven Bilic decides to play the kids on the bench. I imagine we’d have to be up by two goals or losing by two to see that happen.

SECOND HALF

West Ham looked a different team for most of the second half. They came out creating chances and passing the ball well, and with flare. Manuel Lanzini showed up with some excellent dribbling, drawing defenders and freeing up his teammates. Sam Byram did his best to force West Ham fans to wonder why he hasn’t been starting all year round.

But it was Edimilson Fernandes who would help set up the goal to put up West Ham 2-1. Fernandes had a stinger at goal which was deflected for an Andre Ayew followup. Considering the chances Ayew missed last week against Liverpool, we can all be grateful the tap in wasn’t missed.

West Ham United needed to finish this season strong and they did just that. An important victory that will ensure a mid table finish after a season of perpetual disappointment and drama. After a wonderful victory over Tottenham, West Ham United did what many teams have failed to do; they went into Burnley and took all three points.

We’ll have plenty more to come these next few days!