Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 on Premier League return under Le Bris

Sunderland opened their return to the Premier League with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light, a performance that underlined their intent after eight years outside the top flight. A second-half surge, triggered by Eliezer Mayenda’s header, was followed by goals from Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor, sealing a win that sent the hosts into a buoyant mood as they embark on their campaign under new head coach Regis Le Bris.

The game swung decisively after the break, with Sunderland’s pressing and pace breaking West Ham’s resistance. Mayenda’s towering finish arrived just after the hour, before Ballard—in a performance that highlighted his contributions in both boxes—doubled the advantage twelve minutes later. Isidor then finished clinically in stoppage time to put the seal on a handsome result. West Ham had moments of contest, including a first-half block by Ballard on El Hadji Malick Diouf that could have altered the balance, while goalkeeper Robin Roefs made a key save to prevent a late rally. Sunderland finished with 0.7 expected goals to West Ham’s 0.61, reflecting a win built on efficiency and control in the second period. Notably, Sunderland...