VILLATILLIDIE

Match Report: Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

Match Report: Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

Louis L

AUG 16, 2025

Saturday, 16 August 2025 | Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Sunderland secured a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United in their Premier League opener, announcing their return to the top flight with style in front of a raucous home crowd.

First Half

Both sides struggled to carve out clear opportunities in a cagey opening 45 minutes. West Ham dominated possession with 64%, but Sunderland’s organised defence nullified every threat, leaving the interval goalless at 0-0.

Second Half

The deadlock was broken on 60 minutes when Eliezer Mayenda rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross, sending the Stadium of Light into delirium. Twelve minutes later, centre-back Daniel Ballard powered a header past the goalkeeper from a corner to double the lead. Sunderland sealed the win deep into stoppage time as Wilson Isidor slotted home after a quick counter, completing a memorable afternoon.

Standout Performers

Eliezer Mayenda: Showed instincts beyond his years, timing his run perfectly to open the scoring.
Daniel Ballard: Dominant in the air and composed at the back, his goal underscored a commanding display.
Wilson Isidor: Took his chance clinically, sealing the result with a calm finish under pressure.

Key Statistics

Statistic	Sunderland	West Ham
Possession	36%	64%
Win Probability	28.4%	41.9%
Premier League Record (W–D–L)	1–0–0 (3 pts)	0–0–1 (0 pts)

With this emphatic win, Sunderland leave the Stadium of Light celebrating a flawless start, while West Ham must regroup quickly as they travel to face their next opponents.

Most Read

Dan Neil Inspires Future Stars at Foundation of Light Summer Finale

Dan Neil Inspires Future Stars at Foundation of Light Summer Finale

Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil brought passion and purpose to the pitch as he paid a heartfelt visit to the Ford Football Hub, marking the conclusion of the Foundation of Light’s summer holiday programme. His message to the young footballers was simple yet powerful: “We worked hard, we kept focussed and now we're playing for Sunderland.” ⚽ A Role Model Returns Neil, once a Foundation of Light Community Champion himself, returned to his roots to meet children participating in the charity’s Tra

Gabriel Martinelli Faces Scrutiny as Arsenal Future Reportedly Hangs in the Balance

Gabriel Martinelli Faces Scrutiny as Arsenal Future Reportedly Hangs in the Balance

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is under increasing pressure to deliver consistent performances, with pundits and former players voicing frustration over his recent form. Among the most vocal critics is talkSPORT host Alan Brazil, who didn’t mince words when discussing the Brazilian’s decision-making and impact on the pitch. 🎙️ Alan Brazil: “Martinelli Does My Head In” Speaking candidly on his radio show, Brazil questioned the effectiveness of Martinelli’s play, particularly his reluctance

Cristhian Mosquera Opens Up on Arteta’s Praise and Arsenal Ambitions

Cristhian Mosquera Opens Up on Arteta’s Praise and Arsenal Ambitions

Arsenal’s summer transfer window may have been headlined by marquee arrivals like Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze, but one of the club’s most quietly shrewd moves came in the form of Cristhian Mosquera. Signed from Valencia for just £13 million, the 21-year-old defender has already begun to make an impression in North London—and on manager Mikel Arteta. 🛡️ A Versatile Addition with Big Potential Mosquera arrived as a direct replacement for Takehiro Tomiyasu, whose contract was terminated by

Arsenal’s £137m Missed Trio: Arteta’s Targets Rejected as Berta Shapes New Era

Arsenal’s £137m Missed Trio: Arteta’s Targets Rejected as Berta Shapes New Era

Arsenal’s summer transfer window was one of the most aggressive in recent memory, with over £250 million spent to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad. Yet behind the scenes, a quiet tug-of-war unfolded between the manager and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta — one that saw Arteta’s preferred trio of targets passed over in favour of Berta’s own vision. 🔄 Arteta’s Wishlist vs. Berta’s Blueprint According to reports from The Athletic and journalist James McNicholas, Arteta had earmarke

Trai Hume: From Linfield to Premier League Leader — How International Duty Shaped Sunderland’s Rising Star

Trai Hume: From Linfield to Premier League Leader — How International Duty Shaped Sunderland’s Rising Star

Sunderland’s Premier League resurgence has been marked by grit, growth, and a few standout stories — none more compelling than that of defender Trai Hume. The 23-year-old has not only helped guide the Black Cats from League One back to the top flight, but now finds himself captaining Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifying campaign. And according to Hume, it’s his international experience that’s helped him thrive at the highest level. 🌍 International Experience: A Crucial Stepping Ston