Greg . 2 days ago

Sunderland humble West Ham to get Premier League return off to perfect start

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League (PL) got off to a flying start as the Black Cats earned a brilliant 3-0 win at home to West Ham United, who have lost the opening match of a PL season more than any other side in record (17).

With Sunderland kicking off in the English top flight for the first time in over eight years, there was a real buzz around the Stadium of Light, but they were quickly reminded of the step up in class as Jarrod Bowen tested Robin Roefs at his near post in the opening minutes.

The home side managed to shake off any early nerves, and they settled well into the contest, creating their first real opportunity inside 10 minutes when Habib Diarra played a one-two with Eliezer Mayenda before stinging the palms of Mads Hermansen.

 It took until just before the half-hour mark for the Hammers to threaten again, with new full-back recruit El Hadji Malick Diouf growing in confidence as his low drive was blocked by Daniel Ballard.

It was Jarrod Bowen whose influence was increasing as HT contacted, but Graham Potter’s men couldn’t take their chances as Sunderland kept a clean sheet in their opening 45 minutes of the season, and perhaps deservedly so.

 The Black Cats made a positive start to the second half and looked on top, as Simon Adingra flashed an effort narrowly wide, before the home side were dealt a blow after Jenson Seelt went down following a collision when going for a header.

Régis Le Bris’ men continued to press forward, and the Stadium of Light erupted on the hour mark when Omar Alderete’s whipped cross into the box was brilliantly headed home by Mayenda on the stretch.

 West Ham struggled to respond after going behind, despite Potter making changes, which included the introduction of former Newcastle United man Callum Wilson, who was welcomed by boos.

Those changes had little effect, however, as Sunderland doubled their lead in the 73rd minute.

Once again, the Hammers' defence was breached from a cross, and this time, it was Adingra’s ball into the box that was nodded in by Ballard, giving the home crowd a aspiration start back to life in the PL.

Two goals down, the Hammers failed to threaten any form of a response, and instead, Sunderland capped off a fine afternoon with a third goal in stoppage time through Wilson Isidor, who collected the ball near the halfway line, drove to the edge of the box, and slotted into the far corner.

Match statsOpta by Stats PerformVictory for the Black Cats is a momentous one, after they had failed to win any of their last nine season-opening PL matches (D3, L6).

For West Ham, questions will already be asked of Potter, following a disappointing start with just a second loss in 18 games against promoted sides.

 Betopick Man of the Match: Daniel Ballard (Sunderland)MomentumOpta by Stats PerformClick here to catch up on the match with Betopick.