Isaac Price proved the decisive factor for West Bromwich Albion as they turned a one‑goal deficit into a 3-1 triumph over promotion‑hopeful 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 Callum Styles' earlier own‑goal. Burnley entered the match without their leading striker Zian Flemming, who was sidelined with a calf problem and linked with a possible move to Lille.
Their inability to replace his influence was evident in a lackluster second‑half display that fell far short of the high expectations set before the game. Following the defeat, Burnley manager Nicky Hayen was unable to give a definitive answer on Flemming's future before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained: "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 unbeaten in their opening three fixtures across all competitions and marked their second league victory, positioning them second in the early standings, just behind Millwall on goal‑difference.
Meanwhile, Burnley suffered their first loss of the campaign, leaving new boss Nicky Hayen still searching for his inaugural Championship win. The match began at a frantic pace, with two goals coming in the first 18 minutes. In the eighth minute, Callum Styles inadvertently turned his own cross from Jacob Bruun Larsen into his own net, giving Burnley an early lead. Albion protested that Hannibal Mejbri had fouled Felix Horn Myhre far up the pitch during the build‑up, but the goal stood.
Twenty minutes in, Harry Whitwell restored parity, slipping a low finish past goalkeeper Max Weiss from twelve yards out – the 20‑year‑old's first league goal for the club. Burnley then pressed for a second strike, with Bruun Larsen’s effort clanging against the post after a probing cross from Marcus Edwards. The early exchanges set a lively tone, but the real drama unfolded after the interval. Inspired by Price’s energy, West Brom dominated the second half.
The breakthrough came in the 46th minute when Price curled a shot beyond a slightly off‑positioned Weiss, nesting the ball in the far corner to give Albion a 2‑1 lead. The goal not only shifted momentum but also highlighted Price’s growing confidence at this level.
Burnley attempted to respond with a triple substitution in the 57th minute, introducing Ugo Raghouber, Zeki Amdouni and Dastan Satpayev. The changes, however, failed to alter the tide. Instead, West Brom doubled their advantage when Bashir Humphreys was brought down in the box, earning a clear penalty. Price stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick low to the right of Weiss, leaving the keeper wrong‑footed and sending the home crowd into rapturous celebration.
James Morrison, West Brom’s manager, reflected on the performance: "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, admitted his side were out‑worked: "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 underscored the importance of depth and resilience in a tightly contested league. Burnley’s early promise, highlighted by their opening goal, was quickly neutralised by Albion’s tactical adjustments and the clinical finishing of Price.
The young forward’s brace and his involvement in the build‑up to Whitwell’s goal illustrate his growing influence on the team’s attacking play. Beyond the immediate aftermath, the match raises several broader questions for both clubs.
For West Brom, maintaining the momentum will require consistency, especially against teams with larger squads and deeper resources. Their ability to adapt mid‑game, as demonstrated, will be a key factor as the season progresses.
For Burnley, the loss spotlights the need to find a suitable replacement for Flemming, whether through a permanent transfer or a loan deal, to sustain their promotion ambitions. The manager’s comments hint at a willingness to retain Flemming if the financial terms align, but the uncertainty could affect squad morale and planning.
Fans of both clubs can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the Championship season unfolds. With the league’s reputation for unpredictability, each match offers an opportunity for underdogs to upset favourites, and for rising talents like Isaac Price to cement their status as future stars. The narrative of this game – a comeback victory powered by a single player’s brilliance – will likely be referenced in discussions about West Brom’s early-season form and Burnley’s quest to rebound after a setback.
For those wanting to keep up with the latest action, Sky Sports provides live coverage, highlights, and analysis across multiple platforms, including mobile apps and social media channels such as WhatsApp. Whether you’re tracking the Championship table, following transfer rumors, or simply enjoying the drama of English football, the season promises plenty of excitement ahead.