Zian Flemming's late double was enough to salvage Burnley a 2-2 draw with West Ham on both teams' return to the Championship.

The Dutchman scored twice in nine minutes to ensure Nicky Hayen did not leave his first game in charge empty-handed, after a goal from debutant Manor Solomon had looked likely to secure the points for West Ham.

Burnley started strongly, with Flemming and Aaron Ramsey both firing narrowly wide in the opening four minutes.

West Ham soon stamped their authority on the contest in the 10th minute, with Maximilian Kilman holding off his marker to get on the end of Jarrod Bowen's corner and send his header through Max Weiss' legs.

Flemming continued to pose a threat after the break, hitting the post with a 62nd-minute header, while he was also denied on the line by Ollie Scarles just moments later.

His profligacy looked set to haunt Burnley as Solomon pounced on Mohamadou Kante's rebounded cross to rifle home a debut goal in the 72nd minute.

But Flemming got an opportunity from the penalty spot after Scarles brought down Marcus Edwards in the box, and the Dutchman confidently dispatched from 12 yards with seven minutes remaining.

The striker then earned the hosts a point in the 92nd minute; West Ham's defending from a corner was poor, and Flemming drilled his low shot through the crowd into the net.

While Burnley could not find a late winner, Watford did start 2026-27 with a victory, with Iker Bravo and Amin Nabizada scoring in an impressive 2-1 win over Southampton.

A performance to build on as we take a point on opening day. pic.twitter.com/GNgX5ucUyf

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 16, 2026

Flemming's persistence pays dividends for Burnley

It had all been going so well for West Ham, with Nuno Espirito Santo naming a strong lineup for their first Championship match since the 2011-12 season.

West Ham won both contests between these sides in the Premier League last term, wrapping up a comfortable 2-0 win at Turf Moor thanks to early goals, and it looked like this game might follow a similar pattern. 

Kilman's header was the difference at the break, but it had been a fairly balanced first half, with both sides having seven shots apiece.

However, Flemming never gave up despite some near misses, and he finished the game by having nine of Burnley's 17 shots, also achieving game-high tallies for shots on target (four), touches in the opposition box (eight) and 'big' chances (four).

Hayan will feel his side deserved at least a point after they racked up 2.08 expected goals (xG) to West Ham's 1.3, but there were positives for Nuno, too.

Solomon has contributed to goals in his last seven Championship games (four goals, five assists), following a loan spell at Leeds United in 2024-25, and he should be a big threat this season.