Eliezer Mayenda wrote his name into the history books for Sunderland as he became the first goal scorer for the Black Cats in their return to the Premier League since 2017, Softfootball reports.
Sunderland hammered West Ham 3-0 at the Stadium of Light in what is arguably the biggest result of the opening weekend of the new season.
The Black Cats had three different scorer but it was Mayenda opened the floodgates before Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor joined in on the action.
Speaking to Sunderland’s official club media, Mayenda said:
“It was a great game for us – we played very well and I’m so happy for the first win.
“It was an amazing feeling to score, and for it to be our first goal back in the Premier League is even more special.”
The Spaniard was super impressed by the fans as they roared them to victory against the Hammered who were considered favorites before the game.
He explained:
“The atmosphere was incredible. I thought we had to win the first game to be competitive for the season, and we did that. The fans pushed us all the way and gave us the energy to keep going.
“We need to stay focused, keep working, and keep moving forward. This is only the beginning, but today was a big step for us.”
Interestingly, seven players made their debuts for Sunderland in the match against West Ham United including Captain Granit Xhaka, who joined from Bundesliga outfit, Bayer Leverkusen and the Switzerland international was massively impressive in midfield.
Other debutants include Robin Roefs, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbin and Simon Adingra. Eliezer Mayenda, 20, was involved for 61 minutes before he was replaced by Wilson Isidor, who also scored in the encounter.
Sunderland impressed with a 3-0 victory and to get a clean sheet was a good plus for the team. They travel next to visit fellow newly promoted team Burnley in the Premier League match-day 2 on Saturday.
