Sunderland announced their return to the Premier League in stunning fashion with a dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham United at a jubilant Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard, and Wilson Isidor in the second half secured a memorable win for the newly-promoted side in their first top-flight fixture since the 2016-17 season.
After a hard-fought and goalless first half, Sunderland broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark. Mayenda, a hero from their promotion campaign, directed a precise header into the corner from a cross by substitute Omar Alderete to ignite celebrations around the stadium. Ballard doubled the lead with another headed goal before Isidor sealed the comprehensive victory with a well-placed shot in added time.
The match, Sunderland’s first in the top flight in eight years, began in a fervent atmosphere. Both goalkeepers were tested early, with Sunderland’s Robin Roefs denying West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen before debutant Hammers keeper Mads Hermansen tipped a fierce drive from Habib Diarra over the bar.
The most pivotal moment of the first half came when Sunderland defender Ballard made a magnificent sliding clearance to deny El Hadji Malick Diouf a certain goal, keeping the scores level heading into the break.
For West Ham, it was a deeply disappointing start to a campaign that had begun with renewed optimism under manager Graham Potter. The visitors controlled possession for periods in the first half but lacked composure in front of goal. After Mayenda opened the scoring, the Hammers faded and rarely threatened to mount a comeback.
The victory was a tactical triumph for Sunderland manager Regis le Bris, whose side defended diligently before delivering a clinical second-half performance. Several of the club’s 11 new summer signings impressed, with Diarra looking potent in midfield alongside veteran Granit Xhaka.
The result also broke a long-standing club record, marking Sunderland’s first Premier League win in either August or September since 2012.
What’s next?
Sunderland will travel to face fellow promoted side Burnley next weekend. West Ham will look to rebound as they host Chelsea at the London Stadium.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.