Isaac Price proved the decisive factor as West Bromwich Albion turned a one‑goal deficit into a 3-1 triumph over promotion hopefuls Burnley in the Sky Bet Championship. The Northern Irish forward found the net twice in the second half at The Hawthorns, after first assisting Harry Whitwell’s equaliser, effectively erasing the own‑goal scored by Callum Styles earlier in the match. Burnley entered the game without their leading striker Zian Flemming, who was sidelined by a calf problem and was also the subject of interest from French side Lille.
The absence of Flemming was keenly felt as the Clarets struggled to live up to the high expectations placed on them, delivering a lacklustre display after the interval. Following the defeat, Burnley manager Nicky Hayen admitted uncertainty over Flemming’s future, noting that any transfer would depend on the club’s financial situation and the player’s desire to reach the Premier League. He told Sky Sports, "If there is an offer that suits the finances of the club, then maybe the transfer can be done, but I want him to stay. Everyone has the ambition to play in the Premier League, so if he can make that step then okay, everything should be in place, but as long as that's not the case, Zian stays with us." The win kept Albion’s perfect start to the campaign intact, marking their third consecutive victory across all competitions and their second league win, which placed them second in the early standings, just behind Millwall on goal‑difference.
Meanwhile, Burnley suffered their inaugural loss of the season, leaving new boss Nicky Hayen still searching for his first Championship triumph. The opening stages were frenetic, producing two goals within the first 18 minutes. In the eighth minute, Callum Styles inadvertently turned his own net after a cross from Jacob Bruun Larsen, a moment Albion claimed was preceded by a foul on Felix Horn Myhre by Hannibal Mejbri some 70 yards from the goal.
The early drama continued when 20‑year‑old Harry Whitwell restored parity in the 18th minute, slotting a low finish from 12 yards into the left side of goalkeeper Max Weiss’s frame for his maiden league goal for the club. Burnley came close to regaining the lead when Bruun Larsen’s effort clipped the post after a probing cross from Marcus Edwards. The first half ended with the score level at 1‑1, setting the scene for a decisive second half. The interval proved to be a turning point.
Inspired by Price’s energy, West Brom dominated the second half. In the 46th minute, Price opened the scoring for the home side, curling a precise shot beyond a stranded Weiss into the far corner, giving Albion a 2‑1 advantage for the first time in the match. Burnley attempted to respond by making three substitutions at the 57th minute, introducing Ugo Raghouber, Zeki Amdouni and Dastan Satpayev. The changes, however, failed to alter the momentum.
Shortly after, a penalty was awarded when Bashir Humphreys was brought down by Whitwell inside the box. Price stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot‑kick to the right of Weiss, who dived the wrong way, extending the lead to 3‑1. West Brom manager James Morrison reflected on the performance, saying, "When you start the pre‑season and see the fixtures come out and see the opposition you're like, 'Oof, welcome back!' But it was an opportunity to impose ourselves, and we've been doing that, and it's my job to keep us firmly on the ground. It's been two games, and it's going to be a long, hard season with ups and downs, but we've got to keep working hard on the training pitch and see what happens." Hayen, on the other hand, conceded that his side had been out‑worked, stating, "It was totally deserved.
They had much more energy than us, winning duels and second balls. We played too slowly and were far away from the level last week. If we play at our best, we're a top team, but if you play like this, you're an average team, and we have to go back to what we did last week because today we weren't good enough." The result not only gave West Brom three points but also reinforced their early-season credentials as a side capable of overturning deficits against strong opposition.
For Burnley, the loss highlighted the challenges they face without Flemming and the need to find a consistent rhythm under Hayen’s stewardship. As the Championship progresses, both clubs will look to build on this encounter—Albion aiming to maintain their upward trajectory and Burnley seeking to rebound and secure the points required for a promotion push. Overall, the match showcased the impact a single player can have on a game’s outcome.
Price’s brace and his composure from the penalty spot underscored his growing importance to the Albion attack, while the tactical adjustments by both managers provided insight into the evolving strategies that will shape the remainder of the season. The victory also served as a reminder that early league tables are fluid, and performances like West Brom’s can quickly shift the balance of power in the competitive environment of the Sky Bet Championship.