Much was made of the fact that James Ward-Prowse never scored one of his trademark free-kicks during his time with West Ham United.
His most recent came when he was still wearing the captain’s armband at Southampton, back in 2023. And, although Ward-Prowse showed Burnley a glimpse of his talents with a deadly dead-ball while building up his fitness with the Clarets’ Under-21s, he remains right on the coattails of David Beckham’s historic tally; a record-equalising strike agonisingly out of reach.
But while the goals have dried up, James Ward-Prowse is still a very reliable creator of chances when whipping in from out wide.
Why do YOU think it didn’t work out for James Ward-Prowse at West Ham?
The England international did record 12 assists during a largely underwhelming stint at West Ham United.
His first since joining Scott Parker’s Burnley on loan during the January transfer window, meanwhile, will do no harm to his less-than stellar reputation at his parent club.
It was a classic Ward-Prowse delivery which assisted Zian Flemming’s 93rd minute equaliser. Burnley delivering a hefty dent to the Champions League hopes of West Ham’s bitter rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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James Ward-Prowse snatches a point off Chelsea on loan from West Ham United
Burnley themselves moved to within six points of the Hammers in 19th before they kicked off against Bournemouth in Saturday’s late kick-off. Despite some improved displays of late, the Clarets have surely left it too late to consider a ‘Great Escape’ Alan Curbishley would be proud of.
On the other hand, Burnley at home would most definitely have been a game Chelsea circled on the calendar as a very safe source of three points.
That they picked up only one, leaving themselves at risk of being leapfrogged by Manchester United in the top four, could prove to be an almighty blow for new boss Liam Rosenior.
Scott Parker hails Ward-Prowse’s ‘quality’
From a West Ham perspective, this is the best thing Ward-Prowse has done for Hammers in a very, very long time. There is very little a football fan enjoys more, after all, than a tasty dose of schadenfreude.
“I can’t remember [the goal] that well to be honest,” Flemming told reporters at full-time. “He [Ward-Prowse] hasn’t been here that long but everyone knows his quality. He can put the ball exactly where we want it and he put it right on my head!”
Parker called Ward-Prowse an ‘absolute expert’ in the set-piece department following his arrival a month ago. Beckham’s record might elude him, but he’s certainly living up to Parker’s billing.
“[Ward-Prowse] has real quality. He is a real set-piece specialist,” says the three-time Hammer of the Year. “When you want to deliver a ball, you know where it is going. All the set-piece coaches can do the best blocks or runs but, with James, it is pretty easy.
“Because you know if it is delivered on the money, then you have a chance.”
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