Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League in spectacular fashion, defeating West Ham 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on the opening day of the season.
Back in the top flight after an eight-year absence, the Black Cats delivered a statement performance, with Habib Diarra and his teammates producing a display full of intensity and ambition against a West Ham side left stunned by the newly promoted club’s energy.
Diarra, recruited this summer from Strasbourg, was quick to make his presence felt. Within six minutes, the midfielder unleashed Sunderland’s first attempt, forcing a strong save from the West Ham goalkeeper.
The home side continued to press, and in the 26th minute full-back El Malick Diouf went close to breaking the deadlock. His effort, however, was crucially deflected off Dan Ballard and drifted just wide. Despite Sunderland’s early dominance, the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the restart. Mayenda rose highest to meet a cross and powered an unstoppable header into the net, sending the home supporters into raptures as Sunderland took a 1-0 lead.
The goal sparked a surge of confidence, and the hosts quickly doubled their advantage. Defender Dan Ballard, heavily involved throughout, capitalised to extend the lead to 2-0, tightening Sunderland’s grip on the contest.
West Ham struggled to mount any meaningful response as Sunderland continued to grow in belief. The atmosphere inside the Stadium of Light swelled further when, deep into stoppage time, W. Isidor capped off the afternoon with a clinical finish, sealing a remarkable 3-0 victory.
For the newly promoted side, the result carries immense significance. Not only does it mark a winning return to the Premier League after years of absence, but it also sends a message of intent for the 2025–26 campaign. Sunderland’s energy, resilience and sharp attacking play showcased a team determined not merely to survive in the top flight, but to compete with conviction.
West Ham, by contrast, were left frustrated. Unable to match Sunderland’s pace and pressing, they struggled to carve out clear opportunities and were undone by the hosts’ clinical finishing in the second half.
The defeat will serve as a wake-up call for the London side as they look to regroup quickly.
For Sunderland, the day belonged to their collective effort, with Diarra’s dynamism setting the tone early on, Mayenda’s opener breaking the deadlock, and Ballard and Isidor ensuring the victory was emphatic. The club’s supporters, long starved of Premier League football, were given a memorable return – one that hinted at the possibility of a promising season ahead.
