While West Ham remain in control of their destiny, this was a reminder that survival in the short-term will bring no guarantee of a brighter future. Even if David Moyes succeeds in steering them towards calmer waters over the next four games, realists will know that this leaky ship will still be in danger of sinking next season.
For now the smart money is on West Ham staying up, given that they are four points above the relegation zone, with games against Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa to come. In the long run, however, there is little cause for optimism. Uncertainty gripped West Ham when they had an opportunity to pull clear, and Burnley punished their frailties, making light of their injury crisis by moving three points behind sixth-placed Wolves thanks to Jay Rodriguez’s winner.