Burnley 0-2 West Ham: Fans Rip Parker, Praise Nuno 

Key Points

• West Ham secured a 2-0 victory over Burnley in a Premier League match, with goals contributing to a vital three points for the Hammers.
• Burnley fans expressed deep frustration over their team’s performance, calling it pointless, demoralised, and not good enough for either the Premier League or the Championship.
• Scott Parker, Burnley’s manager, faces mounting criticism from supporters, with calls for his sacking and a clearout of management and players.
• Fans highlighted issues like weak strength up front, only one makeshift striker (Zian Flemming) starting, and defensive errors gifting goals to West Ham.
• West Ham fans praised the team’s improving form, disciplined second-half performance, and key contributions from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, and Matheus Fernandes.
• Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham’s manager, received credit for team selection and substitutions, with optimism about avoiding relegation if character is maintained.
• Burnley supporters urged the board to question recruitment processes, citing signings like those under Vincent Kompany who lacked Premier League experience.
• Specific Burnley fan voices included James, Alan, Jeff, and Neil; West Ham fans included James, Jimmy, and Pete.
• The match underscored contrasting fortunes: Burnley’s ongoing struggles versus West Ham’s resurgence.

Burnley (East London Times) February 8, 2026 – West Ham United clinched a decisive 2-0 win against Burnley at Turf Moor, intensifying pressure on the Clarets’ manager Scott Parker while boosting hopes among Hammers supporters of Premier League survival. Fans from both sides delivered starkly contrasting verdicts on the performance, with Burnley supporters lamenting a lacklustre display and West Ham fans celebrating tactical discipline and key individual contributions. The result leaves Burnley rooted in relegation peril, as voiced frustrations echo wider concerns over squad quality and leadership.

Why Are Burnley Fans So Furious?

Burnley fans painted a picture of despair following the 0-2 defeat, with multiple voices uniting in condemnation of the team’s display. James, a Burnley supporter, remarked, “Just when you think it cannot get any worse. If this level of performance is considered by Scott Parker to be just a little off, Burnley fans should take up gardening for the rest of the season, rather than endure more of this. When will the Burnley board grow some and get rid of the deadwood, starting with Parker?” His comments capture the raw anger directed at Parker and calls for board intervention.

Alan echoed this sentiment, stating,

“Pointless. Other than to fulfill fixtures, this team, including management, do not belong in the Premier League. They are simply not good enough at all levels. Unfortunately, they are looking so demoralised that they don’t look good enough for the Championship either. Have a clearout now, bring in fresh management who can instil some pride in the shirt, and prepare for next season.”

Alan’s verdict highlights a perceived lack of competitiveness across divisions and a plea for wholesale change.

Jeff questioned the club’s strategic direction, noting,

“Another performance where you really have to wonder how bad it has to be for the board to sack the manager. But the board and the recruitment process needs to be questioned. Making signings that have never played in England (other than Kyle Walker as a outfield player), never mind the Premier League – like they did with Vincent Kompany. Two seasons now in the Premier League with the same result.”

Jeff’s analysis points to recruitment flaws, drawing parallels to previous campaigns under Kompany.

Neil offered a slightly more measured take, observing,

“Same old story – week in, week out. A must-win game needed strength up front – but just one striker (albeit a makeshift one) starting said it all, and that’s no disrespect to Zian Flemming. The defence, once again, gifted the goals and it was always uphill after that. Promising early pressure in the second half gave us some hope, but it soon fizzled out and we were well beaten. We don’t need the boo boys calling for Parker out and knocking the players. If you’re not happy, stay home and leave the die-hard fans to give their support.”

Neil criticised tactical choices like insufficient forward options and defensive lapses while defending loyal supporters.

These fan reactions, drawn directly from post-match submissions, reveal a squad seen as bereft of fight, prompting urgent demands for Parker’s dismissal and a squad overhaul.

What Did West Ham Fans Highlight as Positives?

In stark contrast, West Ham fans revelled in the victory, viewing it as a turning point in their season. James from West Ham noted,

“That was a vital three points. Form is picking up now and rivals must be looking over their shoulders. Let’s not get too carried away as there is a way to go yet, but if Crysencio Summerville can keep popping up with goals there is certainly cause for optimism. A real captain’s performance from Jarrod Bowen again.”

James singled out Summerville’s goal threat and Bowen’s leadership as optimism drivers.

Jimmy praised the overall structure, saying,

“Much like last week, an excellent first half and two very good goals, but this week was also a more disciplined second-half performance. Maybe, just maybe, Nuno Espirito Santo has at long last realised that bringing on a third centre-half isn’t the answer when you’re winning the game, and this week he made the substitutions he should have made last week – which I’m sure had he done so, we would have left Stamford Bridge with at least one point, if not all three.”

Jimmy credited Espirito Santo’s tactical adjustments, referencing a prior match at Stamford Bridge.

Pete lauded the manager’s decisions, stating, “Nuno deserves credit for his team selection and his substitutions after criticism in previous matches. Matheus Fernandes is growing in stature with every game and could be the first player to fill the hole left by Declan Rice. All of West Ham’s players look up for the fight, which wasn’t the case a few weeks ago. It won’t be easy, but if we can show this character every game, we might just stay up.” Pete highlighted Fernandes’ emergence as a midfield anchor post-Rice and a renewed team spirit.

These testimonials underscore West Ham’s growing cohesion, with Espirito Santo’s management emerging as a pivotal factor amid relegation pressures.

Who Scored the Goals for West Ham?

While specific goal scorers are not detailed in fan verdicts, supporters attributed the two goals to clinical finishing that exploited Burnley’s weaknesses. Jimmy referenced “two very good goals” in an excellent first half, implying precision strikes that set the tone. James credited Crysencio Summerville for “popping up with goals,” suggesting his involvement in at least one, alongside Jarrod Bowen’s all-around captaincy. Neil from Burnley lamented defensive gifts leading to these scores, confirming West Ham capitalised early.

The fans’ focus remains on the impact rather than exact scorers, but Summerville and Bowen loom large in praise, aligning with their form uptick.

How Has Scott Parker’s Position Changed?

The loss has amplified scrutiny on Parker, with fans like James demanding the board “get rid of the deadwood, starting with Parker.” Alan called for “fresh management who can instil some pride,” while Jeff pondered “how bad it has to be for the board to sack the manager.” Neil, though critical, cautioned against “boo boys calling for Parker out,” advocating support from die-hards.

Parker’s assessment of the performance as “just a little off,” per James, has fuelled ire, positioning him as the lightning rod for broader discontent over two seasons of Premier League struggles.

What Tactical Errors Cost Burnley the Game?

Neil pinpointed a lack of “strength up front,” with only “one striker (albeit a makeshift one) starting said it all, and that’s no disrespect to Zian Flemming.” Defensive frailties were recurrent: “The defence, once again, gifted the goals.” Early second-half promise faded, as “it soon fizzled out.” These elements, in a “must-win game,” left Burnley chasing shadows.

Is Nuno Espirito Santo Turning West Ham Around?

West Ham fans unanimously backed Espirito Santo. Jimmy noted his realisation against over-defensive subs, making “the substitutions he should have made last week.” Pete affirmed, “Nuno deserves credit for his team selection and his substitutions after criticism.” This win signals adaptation, with disciplined defending preserving the lead.

What Does This Mean for Relegation Battles?

Burnley fans see no Premier League future, with Alan doubting Championship readiness. West Ham’s Pete admitted “it won’t be easy, but if we can show this character every game, we might just stay up,” while James warned rivals. The match widens the gap, boosting Hammers’ survival hopes.

Recruitment Lessons from Burnley’s Woes?

Jeff criticised “signings that have never played in England… like they did with Vincent Kompany,” linking it to repeated failures. This underscores risks of unproven imports in high-stakes environments.