Max Kilman has given West Ham United a dream start to their Championship campaign, heading Nuno Espírito Santo’s side into a 1-0 lead against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Kilman struck in the 10th minute as West Ham punished Burnley from their first major set-piece opportunity of the afternoon.
Jarrod Bowen delivered an inviting corner towards the back post, where Kilman was left with space to power his header down and beyond the Burnley goalkeeper.
WATCH Max Kilman give West Ham the lead
WATCH KILMAN’S GOAL BELOW
The goal carries extra significance for the defender.
It is Kilman’s first goal for West Ham, arriving on his 68th appearance for the club. The Guardian’s live coverage confirmed the defender opened the scoring from Bowen’s pinpoint corner.
West Ham had endured an energetic opening from Burnley, with Zian Flemming and Aaron Ramsey both finding shooting positions during the early stages.
Nuno’s side responded clinically.
Bowen had already begun finding space on the right before his set-piece delivery created the breakthrough, with Kilman taking advantage of poor Burnley marking at the far post.
The Hammers entered Sunday’s fixture looking to make an immediate statement following relegation from the Premier League.
ReadWestHam reported before the game that Burnley were dealing with several important absences, but the hosts still began aggressively at Turf Moor.
Kilman’s header changed the early complexion of the game.
West Ham now have something to protect as they look to open their 46-game Championship promotion campaign with three points.
