The stadium of Light ignited with a stunning 3-0 victory over Graham Potter’s West Ham in their opening game.
Sunderland AFC made a dream return to the Premier League 2025/26 season with a sensational second-half performance that sealed a 3-0 win against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light. Goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard, and Wilson Isidor gave Régis Le Bris’s side a perfect start in their top-flight comeback.
The opening half offered little excitement, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. According to Fotmob’s statistics, West Ham dominated possession and registered more shots, but Sunderland’s resolute defending kept the visitors quiet.
The second half, however, belonged entirely to Sunderland. In the 61st minute, Omar Alderete delivered a sweeping cross from the left, met by Mayenda’s powerful header into the bottom-left corner, igniting celebrations across Wearside. Twelve minutes later, Daniel Ballard doubled the lead with a sensational header from Simon Adingra’s pinpoint delivery, leaving West Ham’s defense stunned.
As the game edged toward stoppage time, Wilson Isidor sealed the victory with a clinical right-footed strike into the far corner, ensuring Sunderland’s first three points of the new Premier League campaign.
Despite West Ham enjoying superior ball possession and more attempts overall, Sunderland were ruthlessly efficient, converting three of their five shots on target.
Speaking to The Guardian after the match, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his side’s spirit:
“We just have to enjoy this. West Ham are a strong team who maybe didn’t play their best football today, but my players showed quality and character when it mattered.”
The result marks a statement win for Sunderland on their Premier League return, rekindling belief among fans at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland AFC will look to build on this momentum when they travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday, August 23, 2025.