West Ham United could only manage a draw at home to Burnley in a game that was marred by Ashley Westwood’s gruesome injury.
West Ham United failed to capitalise on their recent form in the last two games as they could only manage a draw with relegation battlers Burnley. The dropped points will impact their chances to finish in the top four or even in Europa League spots.
While the game ended in a 1-1 draw the main talking point was Ashley Westwood’s horror injury. The Burnley midfielder seems to have suffered a suspected broken ankle after getting his leg tangled in a challenge with Nikola Vlasic.
The game was stopped for a considerable period as players across both teams looked visibly distressed after what they had witnessed. In the end, Westwood managed to smile as he was stretchered off, which was a positive sign after a terrible few minutes.
Back to the game, Burnley took advantage right after the stoppage as jay Rodriguez’s headed effort bounced off the crossbar and Wout Weghorst nodded the rebound past Lukasz Fabianski to give the visitors the lead. The Clarets then had the chance to take full control of the game as they were awarded a penalty.
Fabianski tripped Maxwel Cornet after the forward had rounded the keeper and was on course to score the second. But the Ivorian missed the target from 12 yards out. It certainly gave West Ham a shot in the arm as the home side ramped up their efforts to turn the game around.
And it was Cornet who conceded a needless freekick at the edge of the box, as Manuel Lanzini’s perfect delivery found Tomas Soucek who scored the equaliser. The Hammers had the better chances from that point and a late Nick Pope save from Issa Diop saved Burnley’s day, with the two teams sharing the spoils. Here’s how the West Ham United stars fared in their draw to Burnley at home.
Lukasz Fabianski – 5/10
Fabianski’s error could have been costly had Cornet not missed his penalty. He could have hardly done anything about Weghorst’s strike, and otherwise was barely tested. Overall, he had a commanding presence in the box and dealt with many things with good effect.
Ben Johnson – 3/10
Fabianski may have been at fault for the penalty incident, but it was Johnson’s loose pass that started it all. It would have been costly for the Hammers had Cornet scored from there. Moreover, the full-back lacked in quality all game long, as he was wasteful whenever with a chance to send the correct delivery.
Craig Dawson – 7/10
A steady showing from Dawson, who was alert throughout the game at the back. He made some crucial interceptions and got involved in breaking up play on more than one occasion.
Issa Diop – 7/10
Issa Diop vs Burnley (Ranked in West Ham team):
2⃣ Interceptions?
5⃣ Clearances?
2⃣ Blocked shots ?
7⃣6⃣ Passes?Great display from Diop today, stepping up when we need him most and forming a good partnership Dawson. Always a threat from set pieces too ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/qELVIi4DIL
— Hammers Analytics (@HammersAnalytic) April 17, 2022
Diop was dominant in the air and produced a solid display at the back. The centre-back will be disappointed that his headed effort did not go in, but Nick Pope’s save was top-notch.
Aaron Cresswell – 6/10
Cresswell supported the attack with his trademark runs down the left channel. He provided some decent balls for the forwards to attack while proving solid in defence. He took one volleyed shot, which was cleared off the line.
Tomas Soucek – 7.5/10
Soucek made amends after he was well beaten in the air for the Burnley opener, as the Czech international nodded in the crucial equaliser. As the Hammers looked to attack, the midfielder took up advanced positions, which paid off as he met with Lanzini’s freekick.
Always happy when I can help the team with a goal. I'd rather trade the goal for a win. A little rest now and we're fighting again next week #coyi pic.twitter.com/e97Xfl8ncE
— Tomáš Souček (@tomassoucek28) April 17, 2022
Declan Rice – 6/10
A solid game from Rice who kept pushing his team forward, and kept the midfield ticking with sharp, incisive passing. He also made some of his trademark driving runs, which caused all sorts of problems to the Burnley defence.
Jarrod Bowen – 5/10
Barring a few attempts, Bowen generally struggled to get a foothold in the game. The Hammers are overreliant on him and failed to win when the attacker wasn’t at his best.
Manuel Lanzini – 7/10
After an impactless first half, Lanzini grew into the game in the second period. Burnley’s defence sensed the danger he posed and stopped the Argentine from making decisive runs into the box. Eventually, the midfielder made a telling contribution with a superb delivery for Soucek to equalise.
Manuel Lanzini has been directly involved in 10 goals in all competitions this season:
⚽️ 6 goals
?️ 4 assistsWest Ham draw level. ??⚒️ pic.twitter.com/gKBc07mCsC
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 17, 2022
Nikola Vlasic – 6/10
An unfortunate afternoon for Vlasic, who was involved in the horror injury to Westwood, although it was never his intention. The attacking midfielder had a few good moments in the game but could not make a major impact. Taken off in the 64th minute.
Michail Antonio – 5/10
Antonio’s woes in front of goal continued, as the forward missed a few good chances to score. He drastically needs to improve his form while leading the line as West Ham have plenty left to play for this season and cannot always rely on the likes of Bowen.
Substitutes
Said Benrahma – 6/10
Benrahma freshened up the West Ham attack after his introduction, causing plenty of problems for the Burnley defence with his ball-carrying abilities.
Pablo Fornals – 5/10
Fornals barely impacted after coming on ten minutes before the full-time whistle blew.
