Saturday, 16 August 2025 | Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Sunderland secured a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United in their Premier League opener, announcing their return to the top flight with style in front of a raucous home crowd.
First Half
Both sides struggled to carve out clear opportunities in a cagey opening 45 minutes. West Ham dominated possession with 64%, but Sunderland’s organised defence nullified every threat, leaving the interval goalless at 0-0.
Second Half
The deadlock was broken on 60 minutes when Eliezer Mayenda rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross, sending the Stadium of Light into delirium. Twelve minutes later, centre-back Daniel Ballard powered a header past the goalkeeper from a corner to double the lead. Sunderland sealed the win deep into stoppage time as Wilson Isidor slotted home after a quick counter, completing a memorable afternoon.
Standout Performers
- Eliezer Mayenda: Showed instincts beyond his years, timing his run perfectly to open the scoring.
- Daniel Ballard: Dominant in the air and composed at the back, his goal underscored a commanding display.
- Wilson Isidor: Took his chance clinically, sealing the result with a calm finish under pressure.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Sunderland | West Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 36% | 64% |
| Win Probability | 28.4% | 41.9% |
| Premier League Record (W–D–L) | 1–0–0 (3 pts) | 0–0–1 (0 pts) |
With this emphatic win, Sunderland leave the Stadium of Light celebrating a flawless start, while West Ham must regroup quickly as they travel to face their next opponents.
