Overview

• Sunderland won their opening Premier League match 3-0 against West Ham at the Stadium of Light, seizing pole position on goal difference.
• Dan Ballard earned player of the match honours after a dominant defensive display and a towering header for the second goal.
• Seven summer signings started under Le Bris’s mid-low block system, with debutants like Robin Roefs and Omar Alderete making key contributions.
• Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman described the £132 million transfer spend as a necessary gamble that immediately strengthened squad depth.
• Jenson Seelt was forced off with a back injury that is being monitored, while West Ham boss Graham Potter admitted his side never found a second-half rhythm.