Forget Vlasic: West Ham lightweight with fewest touches badly let Moyes down v Burnley - opinion

West Ham United’s top-six hopes were dealt a blow this afternoon as the Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw against relegation-battling Burnley.

The managerless Clarets, who parted company with Sean Dyche on Friday after ten years in charge, took the lead through Wout Weghorst in the 33rd minute and could’ve had a two-goal lead at half-time when awarded a penalty. However, the spot-kick was missed by Maxwell Cornet.

Irons midfielder Tomas Soucek was able to equalise with 16 minutes to go for the hosts to ensure they took something from the match, although after Thursday’s 3-0 win in Lyon, the result will certainly be a disappointment.

Of course, the afternoon could’ve gone worse for David Moyes’ side, especially if Cornet had converted from the spot. However, the Scotsman will be assessing some of the below-par performances in his side, particularly that of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who conceded the penalty.

The 36-year-old came back into the side for league duties with deputy Alphonse Areola entrusted with European and domestic cup commitments and struggled to help his side.

According to SofaScore, alongside the penalty incident, Fabianski failed to make a single save all afternoon whilst making just one punch and catching zero high claims in a nervy performance from the ‘keeper.

Moreover, despite a 79% passing accuracy, the Polish Hammer attempted just 14 passes all afternoon and completed half of his six attempted long balls.

There was little action for the long-term West Ham servant in East London with Fabianski making just 21 touches all afternoon, the fewest of his teammates and the joint-fewest of the 22 players who started the match, with Burnley’s Ashley Westwood also touching the ball just 21 times.

Fabianski