There was a moment when the umpteenth cross or corner from [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/sunderland-v-west-ham-united-line-ups-announced-two-debuts/) thudded straight into the gloves of Black Cats keeper Robin Roefs yesterday afternoon when I wondered whether the Hammers had actually done the research which shows Roefs to have the _best goal keeping stats last season for claiming crosses_ and corners. Continually the ball was pumped in high for the opposition ‘keeper to catch or simply punch away.
Contrast that with Sunderland’s highly effective active targeting of Hammers weaknesses, as reported by the _[sunderlandecho.com](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/we-worked-on-it-dan-ballard-admits-sunderland-targeted-west-ham-weakness-under-graham-potter-5275175)_ who quoted scorer **Dan Ballard** straight after the 3 – 0 trouncing :
_‘We worked on it’ – Dan Ballard admits Sunderland targeted West Ham weakness under Graham Potter” :_ Referring to the Hammers’ vulnerability against set pieces: “_The Northern Ireland international said Sunderland had been working hard to unlock West Ham’s defence under Graham Potter from set-pieces”._
So, the unpleasant truth would seem to be evident to opponents as well as supporters that after rebuilding the West Ham back line to the tune of over £100 million, a ‘well known defensive weakness’ exists for opponents to exploit.
_Urgent memo to the defensive coach needed perhaps?_
And the midfield doesn’t escape either. Black Cats head coach **Regis Le Bris:**
“_They were hard to beat in a mid to low block. The first half was a bit more difficult but during the second half we felt we could get opportunities through regains in the middle and that we could score through counter attacks.”_
And how right he was. Trouble is, if Sunderland can do it, every other premier League side will be rubbing their hands and looking to exploit well documented West Ham deficiencies. Its gonna be a long season.