Sunderland made a stunning return to the Premier League with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Stadium of Light, marking their first top-flight match since the 2016/17 season in style.
Eliezer Mayenda, fresh from scoring in the Championship play-off final, broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, heading home substitute Omar Alderete’s pinpoint cross to ignite wild celebrations in the stands.
Dan Ballard, another of Sunderland’s play-off heroes, doubled the advantage with a smart header into the corner, capitalizing on West Ham’s defensive frailties and putting the hosts firmly in control.
The win was sealed in stoppage time when Wilson Isidor coolly slotted a low finish past debutant goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, putting the gloss on a dream return for Regis Le Bris’ side.
The Stadium of Light roared from the outset, with a vibrant atmosphere driving Sunderland forward. Both sides threatened in an open first half—Robin Roefs denied West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen at the near post, while Hermansen had to react sharply to tip over Habib Diarra’s thunderous effort.
West Ham briefly upped the pressure before the break, but Ballard’s crucial sliding clearance denied El Hadji Malick Diouf a near-certain goal, exemplifying Sunderland’s defensive grit.
The second half saw Sunderland take control. As West Ham faded, the Black Cats grew in belief. Diarra sent a warning shot over the bar, before Mayenda’s opener shifted momentum decisively.
From there, Sunderland never looked back. Ballard’s header gave them breathing space, and Isidor’s late strike capped a performance full of energy, organisation, and attacking intent.
