Ayew finishes on high after injury woe

Andre Ayew’s second-half header ensured a successful conclusion to West Ham’s Premier League campaign as they came from behind to win at Burnley.

It was poetic justice for a player whose season was stalled by a thigh injury on the opening day.

Plagued by injuries, complications acclimatising to new surroundings and the damaging episode leading to Dimitri Payet’s departure – it has been far from a vintage year for the Hammers.

However, Slaven Bilic insisted that while this character-building experience was far from “enjoyable” it will serve them well when they start afresh in August.

“We had eight surgeries and had 10 players who were out for a minimum of 2½ months,” Bilic said.

“It’s nowhere near the season of last year. Individually and as a team we’ll benefit from this season.”

This represented a first away victory for West Ham since February but nothing could dampen the celebratory atmosphere for Burnley.

Sam Vokes’s 23rd-minute goal temporarily put them ahead before the impressive Sofiane Feghouli restored parity four minutes later.

Nevertheless, it has been a landmark campaign, with Sean Dyche becoming the first Burnley manger since Jimmy Adamson in 1974-75 to safeguard the club’s top-flight status. Claret and blue and Premier League flags adorned the route to Turf Moor, local pride flying justifiably high.

One local hostelry, The Princess Royal, exhibited the gratitude of this parish, with a sign inviting Dyche in for free drinks. It is a measure of the headway made under Dyche’s stewardship that Burnley’s key players have attracted suitors, with Michael Keane now on the verge of a transfer back to Manchester United.

“The fact is all parties are in the loop. The one thing we know is that we’re in a strong position,” Dyche said.

“He’s got a year to run on his contract. If nothing happens that’s suitable for us, the situation will go on and he will carry on playing. We will wait and see what the summer brings.”