West Ham, Graham Potter
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Sat 16 August 2025 17:45, UK
West Ham kicked off their Premier League season with a against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The hosts came flying out of the blocks and drew a terrific save from Mads Hermansen, before Dan Ballard cleared off the line to deny El Hadji Malick Diouf.
But in the second half, quickfire headers from Eliezer Mayenda and Ballard left West Ham without a hope of recovering, with Wilson Isidor furthering Graham Potter’s misery in the closing stages.
Here, West Ham Zone outlines three things we learned from a calamitous opening day for West Ham.
Graham Potter
Potter will be disappointed with West Ham’s defensive display (Credit: Imago)
West Ham look vulnerable defensively
The goal that gave Sunderland the lead at The Stadium of Light will not be looked upon fondly by Potter.
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Omar Alderete was given far too much time to collect the ball, look into the box and deliver a cross, with Mayenda outjumping the taller Nayef Aguerd to head the home side ahead.
And once ahead, the Black Cats increased the pressure and West Ham struggled to cope, often losing their shape amid the onslaught of Sunderland attacks.
The second goal was equally as soft, with Lucas Paqueta somehow left to mark centre-back Ballard, and the third came when the Hammers were left light chasing the game.
Niclas Fullkrug needs support
Niclas Fullkrug enjoyed a superb pre-season, but the German was largely anonymous against Sunderland.
The Black Cats chose to stick their central-defenders closely on the striker, with Fullkrug limited to very little space across the 90 minutes.
Niclas Fullkrug lost 16 duels against Sunderland and took just two shots.
West Ham often attempted to find the 32-year-old with long balls, but the striker was outjumped and outmanned.
Just one notable chance ultimately fell to Fullkrug, with the German’s weak header rolling comfortably into the hands of Robin Roefs.
Niclas Fullkrug in West Ham action
Fullkrug struggled against Sunderland (Credit: Imago)
Mads Hermansen is an upgrade on Alphonse Areola
A new goalkeeper was key on the priority list for West Ham going into this season. Alphonse Areola failed to impress last season, and Potter was keen to add a great shot-stopper capable with the ball at his feet.
The Hammers settled on Hermansen, who joined from Leicester City for £20million.
Mads Hermansen vs Sunderland
Saves 2
Accurate long balls 10
Accurate passes 21
And the Dane showed why on his competitive debut, making a diving save to deny Habib Diarra early on, and demonstrating his ability on the ball.
Ultimately, it will go down as a day to forget for Hermansen, but the 25-year-old does not take the lion’s share of blame for the goals that flew past him.
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