Sunderland announced their return to the Premier League in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, capped by two superb headed goals and a statement defensive display.
After a cagey first hour, Eliezer Mayenda broke the deadlock on 61 minutes, glancing in a fine cross from Omar Alderete to ignite the home crowd.
Defender Dan Ballard doubled the advantage 12 minutes later, powering in from a set-piece routine to put the Black Cats firmly in control.
Substitute Wilson Isidor sealed the result in stoppage time, punishing West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with a low strike he should have dealt with more convincingly.
The victory eased concerns about how Sunderland might cope with the step up after last season’s Championship play-off triumph.
With 11 summer signings — seven of whom started — and Granit Xhaka wearing the captain’s armband, Tony Mowbray’s side looked organised, aggressive, and dangerous on the break.
Habib Diarra’s direct running repeatedly unsettled the visitors, while Sunderland’s new-look defence stood firm.
For Ballard, the afternoon was unforgettable.
“It was the perfect start — a clean sheet and a goal on my Premier League debut,” he told Sky Sports. “We worked on set pieces all week and it paid off. The place was rocking.”
West Ham, meanwhile, endured a miserable start under Graham Potter, despite enjoying 64% possession and 11 shots, they mustered just 0.63 expected goals, rarely troubling Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Callum Wilson came closest with a deflected late header that Roefs tipped over brilliantly.
Potter was left frustrated afterwards.
“The second half wasn’t good enough. It’s about the basics — defending crosses, second balls. The first goal was a simple cross into the box we should deal with. We need to improve quickly.”
The defeat raises early questions over Potter’s project, his attempt to evolve West Ham into a possession-heavy side appears at odds with the strengths of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá, who thrived under the more direct, counter-attacking style of former boss David Moyes.
For Sunderland, however, the signs are promising, Ballard, a hero of last season’s promotion push, epitomised their resilience, winning more duels (10) and making more clearances (8) than any other player on the pitch.
His towering display suggested the Black Cats might just be ready to defy expectations in their first top-flight season since 2017.