Having survived on a wing and a prayer through most of the Christmas period, Hammers finally played the 'Game too far' against a resolute and determined Burnley side. Despite the return of Marko Arnoutovic, Hammers were without essentially nine men, and that imbalance finally came home to roost. Unfortunately there are only a few days to go before the next demand on the wafer thin squad.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche made five changes to his side, including a recall for goalkeeper Tom Heaton in place of Joe Hart, Chris Wood put them ahead with a right footed shot from the left of the penalty area. McNeil then added to the home side's advantage by turning in Westwood's cross at the far post.
A header from substitute Andy Carroll, drew a fine save from Heaton late on, but Hammers were not at the races today with the only thing to show from the game being a plethora of yellow cards, the games to players available ratio finally made this game a game too far! - Ed
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Comments
We deliberately planted Joe
We deliberately planted Joe Hart in the Burnley team. But at the crucial time he was benched i.e the Match v West Ham, otherwise the plot was to commit a gaffe of a giveaway by Hart, so as to get The Hammers on a goal sheet. This was supposed to be part of the script. Damn, disappointed in Hart, as he let us down.