After eight long years away from the top flight, Sunderland finally returned to Premier League action, and what a way to announce themselves.
Despite handing debuts to eight new signings, it was a trio of familiar faces who stole the show, delivering a 3-0 victory over West Ham that left manager Regis Le Bris and the Stadium of Light fans celebrating in style.
Promotion heroes Eliezer Mayenda and Dan Ballard scored thunderous second-half headers, while Wilson Isidor capped off the afternoon with a late solo breakaway to seal the perfect start.
This kind of win provides hope that Sunderland might avoid an immediate return to the Championship, although the road ahead will be much tougher than the hapless West Ham side they faced.
Instant Chemistry Between New and Old
Sunderland have spent £130 million on a dozen new players this summer, aiming to give themselves a fighting chance in the Premier League.
Early signs suggest that money is already paying off.
Record signing Habib Diarra dazzled with pace, power, and skill, quickly winning over the Stadium of Light faithful.
His attacking threat was complemented perfectly by the composure of Granit Xhaka in midfield.
The newcomers blended seamlessly with the established squad.
Even goalkeeper Robin Roefs contributed with a crucial reflex save late in the game.
Mayenda and Ballard celebrated their goals with flair, but the credit for their finishing also went to quality service from teammates Simon Adingra and Omar Alderete, highlighting the effortless connection between Sunderland’s old and new stars.
Stadium of Light Roars to Life
Fans had been starved of Premier League action for so long that the atmosphere felt electric from the moment supporters arrived at midday.
When West Ham walked onto the pitch, they were met by a wall of red-and-white and a deafening chorus of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from 45,000 passionate fans.
Mayenda’s opening goal sent the crowd into overdrive, making communication for broadcasters nearly impossible.
With momentum on their side and upcoming matches against Burnley and Brentford, Sunderland could turn the Stadium of Light into a fortress where visiting teams feel unwelcome.
West Ham Struggles and Paqueta’s Disappointment
West Ham had hoped Brazil international Lucas Paqueta might rediscover his form following resolved off-field issues, but he looked sluggish and uninspiring, easily outplayed by Xhaka.
Overall, the visitors struggled; Niclas Fullkrug and Jean-Clair Todibo in particular failed to make an impact.
The only standout for the Londoners was captain Jarrod Bowen, who ran tirelessly but couldn’t carry his side on his own.
Potter’s Late Reactions Fail to Change the Game
Trailing 1-0, West Ham manager Graham Potter was slow to make tactical changes.
Striker Callum Wilson—booed heavily for his Newcastle ties—and Tomas Soucek were introduced after 71 minutes, only for Ballard to score a decisive second almost immediately.
Had Potter acted sooner, the outcome might have been different, but the visitors were consistently outpaced and outplayed by a determined Sunderland side.
Match Ratings Highlight Sunderland’s Dominance
Sunderland (4-3-3): Roefs 7; Hume 6, Ballard 7, Seelt 6.5 (Alderete 53 6), Reinildo 6; Diarra 8, Xhaka 7, Sadiki 6; Talbi 5.5 (Rigg 90+3), Mayenda 7 (Isidor 76), Adingra 6.5 (Le Fee 76) – Goals: Mayenda 61, Ballard 73, Isidor 90+2
West Ham (3-5-2): Hermansen 7; Todibo 5 (Irving 82), Kilman 6, Aguerd 6; Wan-Bissaka 6.5, Ward-Prowse 6, (Soucek 71 6), Paqueta 5, Rodriguez 6 (Wilson 71 6), Diouf 6.5; Bowen 7.5, Fullkrug 5
Referee: Robert Jones 7
Sunderland’s Bright Premier League Future
If this match is anything to go by, Sunderland have the right mix of new talent and seasoned players to make their mark in the Premier League.
With momentum on their side, a fortress-like Stadium of Light, and a squad ready to fight for every point, the Black Cats may not just survive—they might thrive.
