Sunderland Claim Emphatic 3-0 Win Over West Ham in Premier League Return

Sunderland made a triumphant return to the Premier League after more than eight years with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light. Eliezer Mayenda opened the scoring with a precise header, followed by Dan Ballard, who was named Player of the Match for his dominant defensive performance and headed goal on his Premier League debut. Substitute Wilson Isidor sealed the win in stoppage time with a composed finish, showcasing Sunderland's clinical attacking play. Manager Regis Le Bris praised the team's spirit, tactical discipline, and minimal halftime changes that focused on high pressing and man-to-man marking, which effectively nullified West Ham's possession game. West Ham manager Graham Potter acknowledged his team's sluggish second-half performance and poor defensive positioning that led to Sunderland's goals, extending West Ham's poor record in season openers. This victory ended Sunderland's nine-match winless streak in Premier League openers and marked their first top-flight win by three or more goals since May 2017.