Sunderland enjoyed a dream return to the Premier League after eight years away, defeating West Ham United 3-0 in front of a jubilant home crowd at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats, back in the top flight for the first time since the 2016/17 season, produced a commanding second-half performance to seal all three points in their opening game.
Eliezer Mayenda, the hero of May’s Championship play-off final, opened the scoring just after the hour mark, nodding in Omar Alderete’s cross to send the stadium into raptures.
Defender Dan Ballard, another play-off standout, doubled Sunderland’s lead with a precise header before Wilson Isidor struck late in added time to round off a memorable afternoon.
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The match had begun with both sides testing each other in a lively first half. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs denied Jarrod Bowen from close range, while West Ham’s debutant keeper Mads Hermansen tipped over a powerful drive from Habib Diarra. Ballard also came to Sunderland’s rescue with a superb sliding clearance to stop Malick Diouf’s goal-bound effort.
But after the break, Sunderland grew in confidence as West Ham’s attack faltered. Mayenda’s breakthrough set the tone, Ballard’s header secured breathing room, and Isidor’s composed finish in stoppage time completed a statement victory for Regis Le Bris’ men.
The Stadium of Light roared throughout the encounter, and fans celebrated a triumphant return to the Premier League in style.
