Chris Wood equalises late for Burnley to thwart 10-man West Ham

There are games that are defined by false nines. This was an afternoon that, for better and worse, revolved around old-fashioned target men. Long before Chris Wood headed Burnley’s equaliser, Andy Carroll had made a dramatic departure, sent off for two challenges that evoked earlier eras and invited suggestions of idiocy. His Burnley counterpart eventually ensured it cost West Ham and the points were shared in a game some had dubbed “El Claretsico”.

Truth be told, there was nothing classic about it. West Ham were denied back-to-back victories, Burnley a chance to defy footballing gravity and break into the top four, if only for a couple of hours. Each, in their own way, could feel they showed spirit; typically, in Burnley’s case, and importantly, for Slaven Bilic.

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