The Kuroneko had been away from the Premier League for eight years, but they hit West Ham at Hikari Stadium on the first day of the new season and returned with a bang
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bliss welcomed his team “united” as he marked his return to the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over West Ham. After eight years of absence from the top flight, late goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Danballad and substitute Wilson Isidor scored three points.
The Wearsiders solidified their spot in the Premier League in a championship playoff victory against Sheffield United in May, then signed 11 signings to prepare for competitive demand. Seven new arrivals were handed over Sunderland’s debut in the starting lineup, but the ones that proved to be different were Playoff Heroes Myendda, Ballad and Isidor.
Asked about the importance of these scorers, Lubli said, “It’s really important for the first reason that showed they could step up today for at least two reasons. That’s right today, but that was the case today. At the same time, they’re really important because they’re doing their work last season.
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West Ham had control of the game in the first half before the hosts developed into a match. Mayenda, a semi-final scorer and playoff final last season, sent Sunderland first in the 61st minute with a header. Ballard extended the lead after 12 minutes and nodded to the same spot as the final Gasp winner against Coventry in the playoff semi-finals.
Another playoff scorer, Isidor, was completed in the bottom corner with a cool afternoon finish, prompting Le Bliss to absorb the moment into the newly promoted side.
He said: “First of all, enjoy it. The second point, Granite (xhaka) spoke for 30 seconds about this unity. This is how we suffer together as we are key to the season, humble and reset.”
West Ham boss Graham Potter believes his team struggled to find their rhythm after halftime. The Hammer found himself in a promising position around the box throughout the first half, and Captain Jarrod Bowen was particularly impressive in the attack.
They continued to retain ownership after the break, but struggled to annoy Sunderland’s goals until the final stages when Bowen, Thomas Sousek and Calm Wilson approached.
Looking back at the game, Potter said: “We didn’t get into rhythm at all, we started to be a little passive when we had the ball, we were brave, more assertive, and we played better.
“It wasn’t the result of Sunderland pushing us back and playing well. It was an action, a 30-meter or 40-meter cross. Before you know that, you went down 1-0 at the stadium of light here and they waited eight years.
“The second goal is not particularly good from our perspective. If you don’t do the basics of football, you’re in trouble. Today we paid that price.”
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