Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 in season opener

Sunderland start the season with a convincing win as Ballard leads a sturdy defense and Mayenda and Isidor find the net.

Sunderland open Premier League with 3-0 win against West Ham

Sunderland opened the season with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United, a result that shows a prepared and confident side. Mayenda opened the scoring with a well timed run and header, Ballard added the second with a precise header, and Isidor finished after a quick break set up by Talbi, sealing the win. The performance was built on a solid defensive line and smart pressing that kept West Ham from finding rhythm.

New faces fed into a familiar structure, with Reinildo and Noah Sadiki contributing from the start and Seelt making a strong Premier League debut before an injury ended his night. Alderete made a strong early impression on his debut, while Rigg and Le Fee added late minutes as Sunderland controlled the closing stages. Dan Ballard stood out as a defensive anchor and a goal threat, while Diarra and Adingra combined to disrupt the visitors and create issues from wide positions.

The result is more than three points; it signals a new layer of confidence for Sunderland. Ballard’s display suggested a growing spine at the back and an ability to convert set pieces into goals that change the flow of matches. Offensively, Mayenda showed mobility and timing that give the team a genuine point of difference, while Isidor’s finishing in the break demonstrates a willingness to take chances when the game opens up.

West Ham appeared short of tempo and ideas, a reminder that the Premier League schedule offers no easy nights. If Sunderland can sustain this level, they could turn early momentum into a season-long narrative about control and composure under pressure. The depth shown by Alderete and the contribution from substitutes also points to a more complete squad than a one-man performance would suggest.

Highlights

Momentum now shifts to how Sunderland sustains this start