Following a frustrating mid-week setback at the hands of SC Freiburg in the Europa League last 16 first leg, West Ham United hosted a Burnley team on track for Premier League relegation at the first attempt after a disastrous season back in the top level.
On paper, the Hammers appeared to have a simple assignment ahead of them, but that was not the case as Vincent Kompany’s team nearly stunned the London Stadium with a 2-2 draw. The Clarets took the lead thanks to a brilliant strike from David Fofana and an own goal from Konstantinos Mavropanos, before Lucas Paqueta scored and Danny Ings equalised late on. Burnley are now 11 points from safety, with David Moyes’ side sitting ninth.
The midfielder started brightly for West Ham after coming from Southampton, but the repercussions of a protracted season were evident against the Clarets. West Ham News, a well-known news source, vented their concerns over the performance, publishing on X.
The former Southampton captain was substituted at halftime following a forgettable effort at the London Stadium. Even without the midfielder, the Hammers failed to secure all three points, despite goals from Paqueta and Ings.
Given his statistics against Burnley, it’s no surprise that Ward-Prowse was widely lambasted following such a dismal performance. West Ham needed to win the battle in midfield against Burnley, but the replaced Englishman failed to do so in the first half.
Ward-Prowse may have received severe criticism on an off day, but he must not repeat it in the London Stadium. Next up, he’ll have the perfect opportunity to make amends with Freiburg, as well as the possibility to turn things around in the Europa League in midweek.
