Sunderland v West Ham United - Premier League
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Made a couple of vital saves in the first half, ones you would expect him to save but they were big in the context of the game. Then made an even better one, from the back of Isidor in the second half, tipping the ball over the bar in great style.
Trai Hume: 9/10
Didn’t give the dangerous Diouf a sniff down his side and looked comfortable throughout. Took a few set pieces with them causing havoc for the visitors.
Dan Ballard: 10/10
Started the season just as he ended it, an absolute colossus at the back and being unstoppable in the opposition box.
Jenson Seelt: 7/10
Was having a really good Premier League debut, had a solid first half and did not look out of place at all before landing awkwardly and having to go off.
Reinildo: 9/10
Looked a class act from the opening whistle, always in the right place or making the right decision and had a hand in the second goal with a clever burst into space.
Noah Sadiki: 8/10
Buzzed around all over the pitch and stopped West Ham getting comfortable on the ball, read the game well to track runners around the box.
Granit Xhaka (C): 9/10
Did a brilliant job in front of the back four, always quick to put a tackle in and so assured on the ball. Directed play all game.
Chemsdine Talbi: 7/10
Plenty of willing running down the right and kept popping up down the left too when the occasion presented itself. Looked a danger on the break and created the third goal after playing in Isidor
Habib Diarra: 9/10
Great performance from Diarra, covered so much ground both defensively and when bursting forward. Was so unlucky not to give us an early lead but numerous times we had dangerous breaks thanks to Diarra.
Simon Adingra: 8/10
Brilliant cross onto the head of Ballard for the second goal but caused West Ham plenty of problems down the left wing with his clever movement. Worked really hard out of possession too.
Eliezer Mayenda: 8/10
Ploughed a lone furrow for most of the game but constantly chased lost causes and put a huge effort in. Barely had a sniff of goal until he scored the opener with great movement and even better header into the far corner.
Substitutes
Omar Alderete**: 8/10**
Might have had the best first touch or two of any debutant for the club. Immediately stood out as a class act and showed no sign of rust.
Enzo Le Fee**: 7/10**
A couple of clever touches to set team-mates away.
Wilson Isidor**: 7/10**
Almost scored an own goal when a set piece rebounded off his back but then made no mistake on the break when Talbi played him in, finishing in trademark style.
Chris Rigg**: N/A**
Came on very late as we saw the game out.
Man of the Match: Dan Ballard
Literally every player had a good game but none more so than Dan Ballard who has looked like a man on a mission since the play offs. Absolutely dominant defensively and West Ham could not cope with him from set pieces and got the goal his performance deserved with a brilliant header into the corner.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Dan Ballard of Sunderland celebrates after he scores the second goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Dan Ballard of Sunderland celebrates after he scores the second goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) Sunderland AFC via Getty Images