West Ham United started their 2026-27 Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw against Burnley on Sunday.
The Hammers appeared to be cruising to a win at Turf Moor before a late collapse cost them the win.
Their first game back in the Championship since the 2011-12 season did not go to plan, with Burnley showing them that nothing will be handed to them this term.
Goals from Max Kilman and Manor Solomon put them in control against their fellow relegated side, but there were a couple of warning signs.
The Clarets struck the woodwork through Zian Flemming with the scores at 1-0 in the second half, and he had an effort from close range blocked.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo failed to be proactive with his changes, and it was no surprise that Oliver Scarles conceded a penalty with a tired lunge inside the last ten minutes.
The Hammers boss tried to react to the goal by bringing on defenders El Hadji Malick Diouf and Joel Veltman to see out the result, but the momentum was already with the Clarets.
The equaliser inevitably came. Its nature made it clear that despite the quality that they possess, West Ham have their work cut out for them this season.
Burnley were there for the taking, but West Ham failed to get over the line.
The Hammers cannot afford to take their foot off the gas in the Championship if they want to make an immediate return to the top flight.