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Ben McKevitt says…
There’s room here to praise every single debutant as frankly, we were class, but I’ll elect to highlight our record signing — Habib Diarra — in midfield.
It’s easy to see why the club was so keen to go big to get him in early — he’s an unbelievable talent. He’s positionally excellent which was highlighted by his early 1v1 chance, and is already linking up neatly with the rest of the team.
There was a breakaway in the first half that had me nearly awestruck as he burst through the middle of the park with the West Ham players unable to even get close. I found that to be particularly special as it was a perfect distillation of the club’s plan in action: we’ve identified our counter-heavy style of play, recruited perfectly to enhance it, and we’re already executing it from day one.
Diarra is clearly central to everything that we’re doing with his energy, positioning and progressive running. He was an immense presence on Sunday.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Habib Diarra of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Habib Diarra of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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John Wilson says…
For me, the comforting factor was Omar Alderete. Coming on for Seelt (who did well, but was still the weak link) Alderete immediately added a ‘wow factor’ and at last, I saw a centre back for us with power, skill and vision.
It’s a long time since we’ve had a central defence holding up the sign “You shall not pass!” but now we do. So assuring, so exciting. He also had the skill to whip that ball in for the first goal. It’s not often a centre back can change the game from an attacking point of view, but he did. Good to see him and Dan Ballard with a big man embrace at the end.
Can’t wait to see this team gel and develop even more. Bring it on!
Joseph Tulip says…
It’s very difficult to single out one individual when so many of the debutants made such a big impression.
Although it’s true that they were making their league debuts, it must be stressed that pre-season played a key role in helping the new players to integrate, to gel with the existing lads and also to form partnerships and style of play.
This is why we looked like a team against West Ham, and Régis Le Bris and his coaching staff deserve credit for this.
On the day, I’ll mention Robin Roefs, who really looked assured, saving an early low shot, commanding his area and making a tremendous save at 2-0 to help us secure the three points.
Also a mention for Noah Sidiki, who shielded the back four and showed great athleticism to cover a lot of ground in midfield. He also used the ball really well.
Simon Adingra is such an exciting talent. As he grew in confidence he was also using his physicality more and delivered a fine cross for Dan Ballard to head home.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Eliezer Mayenda of Sunderland celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Eliezer Mayenda of Sunderland celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Michael Dunne says…
It’s hard to pick one as so many played so well but I found myself watching Granit Xhaka throughout and couldn’t help but be impressed.
Whilst you could suggest that Xhaka didn’t do one spectacular thing, it was all the little things that he did throughout that impressed me. It was clear early doors that his role was to quieten down Lucas Paquetá and you could notice from early on that he didn’t want to know due to the Swiss man’s consistent pressure on him.
Also, it was just his general calmness on the ball and how he communicated with his teammates. Xhaka was the orchestrator and he led the team impeccably throughout. He’s only going to go from strength to strength.
Nic Wiseman says…
Chemsdine Talbi had an outstanding debut and was a thorn in the Hammers’ side all game, topping it off with an assist for Wilson Isidor’s goal. His trickery was lovely and he was a little annoying, as wingers tend to be, but I’m looking forward to seeing more of this.
When Omar Alderete came on for Jenson Seelt, it was like that Stan Varga debut versus Arsenal — superb. Assured touch. Dancing the ball out of defence. Looks a quality signing.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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