Sunderland made a statement on their Premier League return, cruising to a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, Softfootball reports.
The Lads delivered a dominant second-half performance that had the home crowd on their feet and left the visitors frustrated.
According to Sunderland official website, Régis Le Bris handed seven players their first Premier League starts, with Granit Xhaka leading the team out as captain. Robin Roefs, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbin, and Simon Adingra all made their debuts, giving the fans plenty to cheer about on a momentous day.
West Ham looked lively early on. Jarrod Bowen created the first real chance, driving into the box and firing a low shot that was smartly parried by Roefs. Sunderland responded through Habib Diarra, but his effort was well saved by Łukasz Hermansen. Moments later, Dan Ballard slid in to block El Hadji Malick Diouf’s low finish, keeping the game level.
Watch the post-match reaction from Sunderland players posted on the club’s official X handle below
Softfootball understands that the breakthrough finally came just after the hour mark. Trai Hume’s delivery found Eliezer Mayenda, who met the ball with a precise header to guide it into the bottom left corner. Not long after, Simon Adingra whipped in a perfect cross that Dan Ballard powered home with a thunderous header, doubling the advantage and sending the crowd wild.
West Ham tried to claw their way back, with Callum Wilson flicking a header that Roefs tipped over, but it wasn’t enough. In stoppage time, substitute Wilson Isidor capped off a memorable day with a composed finish into the bottom right corner to seal a resounding 3-0 win.
This dominant performance increases Sunderland’s morale as they turn their attention away to Burnley next week at Turf Moor. After a day full of energy, debutants shining, and crucial goals, the Lads have announced themselves as serious contenders in their return to the top flight.
