Tomas Soucek starred as West Ham came from behind to beat Burnley 3-2 at London Stadium, sealing back-to-back Premier League wins for Nuno’s side.
West Ham produced a spirited comeback to defeat relegation rivals Burnley 3-2 at the London Stadium.
The victory lifted Nuno Espirito Santo’s team level on points with 17th-placed Burnley, giving their survival hopes a major boost.
The game followed a large fan protest against the club’s ownership, but the mood inside the stadium shifted as West Ham rallied to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since February.
Burnley started brightly and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Zian Flemming met Lesley Ugochukwu’s cross with a precise header into the corner.
It was the Dutch forward’s third Premier League goal of the season and a reminder of Burnley’s threat from wide areas.
West Ham looked disjointed and struggled to break through Burnley’s organised defence. However, just before half-time, Crysencio Summerville’s deflected effort fell kindly to Callum Wilson, who nodded home from close range to make it 1-1.
After the break, West Ham grew in confidence. Summerville and Jarrod Bowen both went close before substitute Tomas Soucek made an instant impact in the 77th minute.
Lucas Paqueta’s cross-shot was fumbled by Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka, allowing Soucek to bundle the ball in from close range.
Ten minutes later, the Czech midfielder’s long-range strike proved too powerful for Dubravka, who spilled it straight to Kyle Walker-Peters. The full-back reacted quickest to slot home his first Premier League goal since 2022.
Burnley refused to give up and grabbed a consolation deep into stoppage time.
West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to hold Hannibal Mejbri’s shot, and former Hammer Josh Cullen pounced to tap in from close range.
It came too late for Scott Parker’s side, who have now lost two of their last three league matches. Burnley ended with 57% possession and 16 attempts on goal but lacked precision in key moments.
Soucek’s influence off the bench was decisive once again. The midfielder has now scored in consecutive games, becoming Nuno’s go-to impact player.
Summerville was another standout, creating constant problems down the left, while Walker-Peters impressed with his energy and composure in the final stages.
For Burnley, Flemming’s first-half display was encouraging, but defensive lapses and Dubravka’s errors proved costly.
West Ham’s 3.02 expected goals (xG) compared to Burnley’s 1.06 highlighted the home side’s growing attacking efficiency under Nuno.
West Ham remain 18th but only behind Burnley on goal difference as the fight for survival intensifies.
They travel to Bournemouth on November 22 looking to make it three wins in a row.
Burnley, meanwhile, host Chelsea at Turf Moor earlier that day in a difficult fixture that could define their November fortunes.
