Sunderland show say dem no dey come Premier League to play as dem beat West Ham 3-0 for Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. Na dream return for the Black Cats wey don miss top-flight ball since 2017.
First Half: Roefs save Sunderland early
Inside first five minutes, West Ham nearly draw first blood but debut keeper Robin Roefs deny Jarrod Bowen sharp sharp. Even though Sunderland hold just 35% possession, dem defend well make Hammers no smell goal for first half.
Second Half: Goals rain for Wearside
Na the final 30 minutes scatter everything as Sunderland fans begin celebrate history. Eliezer Mayenda nod correct header inside net for 61st minute – first Premier League goal for Sunderland in 8 years.
Only 12 minutes later, defender Dan Ballard rise higher to nod Simon Adingra’s whipped cross into top corner, make am 2-0.
As West Ham dey press for late comeback, Sunderland catch dem for counter. Wilson Isidor run from left, cut inside and bend ball enter bottom corner for 90+2 minute to seal 3-0 win. Stadium of Light scatter joy!
TPB Verdict
This Sunderland side look ready for the fight to stay up. New stars like Granit Xhaka show leadership, while Ballard and Mayenda shine bright. Fans go dey dream say survival dey possible if dem keep this form.
For West Ham, e go pain say dem lose against promoted side opening weekend. But truth be say Sunderland strengthen wella during transfer window. If Graham Potter no adjust quick, Hammers fit drag relegation battle again this season.
Highlights
- 61’ – Sunderland 1-0 West Ham (Mayenda header from Omar Aldrete cross)
- 73’ – Sunderland 2-0 West Ham (Ballard header from Adingra cross)
- 90+2’ – Sunderland 3-0 West Ham (Isidor solo run + finish)
Man of the Match – Dan Ballard
Ballard solid for defence, keep clean sheet plus score crucial second goal wey break West Ham spirit. If Sunderland wan survive Premier League, na players like am go carry dem.
Match Stats
- Possession: Sunderland 37% – 63% West Ham
- Shots: Sunderland 10 – 12 West Ham
- Shots on target: Sunderland 5 – 4 West Ham
- Corners: Sunderland 5 – 7 West Ham
- Fouls: Sunderland 8 – 10 West Ham