Sunderland have announced their long-awaited
Premier League return in epic proportions.
In a staggering dismantling of West Ham at a thunderous Stadium of Light on Saturday, 16 August 2025, Sunderland took home the win with a 3-0 victory.
After an eight-year absence, the Black Cats have re-entered the top flight with a performance befitting an underdog story but rewritten with sheer audacity and drive.
The first half was cagey.
What could be described as a tight contest where West Ham, despite holding 64% possession, found their threats expertly quelled by a disciplined Sunderland backline.
But the second half unleashed absolute dominance.
Eliezer Mayenda distinguished himself in the 61st minute.
He came in with a sweeping cross, causing an eruption of celebration in the stands.
Twelve minutes later, defender Daniel Ballard rose to the occasion.
He powered home a header that mirrored his heroics in the Championship play-offs.
His sense of timing and aerial authority underscored his growing leadership.
The crowd went crazy.
The final straw, however, arrived in stoppage time when Wilson Isidor, introduced from the bench, calmly finished a swift counterattack to seal a deserved 3–0 triumph.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
The crowd was over 46,000, a near capacity turnout, and, of course, they played their own part in fuelling the performance with earth shaking cheers and unfailing belief in their team.
Manager Régis Le Bris was visibly delighted, praising the fans and the team’s spirit, saying,
“We just have to enjoy this.”
Meanwhile, a dejected West Ham reflected on the harsh lesson in reality, and gotten by the realization that they had underestimated a newly promoted, fiercely driven Sunderland.
This victory now propels Sunderland to the top of the early Premier League table, a fitting reward for a club reborn.
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