RATINGS V WEST HAM

Sunderland made a huge statement on our Premier League return, beating West Ham United in front of a packed out Stadium of Light by three goals to nil. Second half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and substitute Wilson Isidor puts us joint-top of the league with Tottenham Hotspur.

ROBIN ROEFS: 9/10

Made four saves throughout the game and commanded his box almost perfectly, a wonderful Premier League debut for our new number one.

TRAI HUME: 8.5/10

Hume held his own against their front line and did plenty going forward. His crosses didn’t always find someone but usually looked dangerous.

DAN BALLARD: 10/10

He bullied their attackers, made a number of crucial blocks (including one to prevent a certain goal in the first half, with the net wide open) and scored via a fantastic header in the second half. Deserved Man of the Match.

JENSON SEELT: 8/10

The Dutch defender coped really well against an experienced top flight attack. He didn’t have the effect Omar Alberete had when he came on but he did show signs he could one day be a Premier League defender. If he can stay injury free, he will be. I’m really hoping he’s not going to be out for ages.

REINILDO: 8.5/10

Was very active on his side of the pitch and aided us when going forward.

HABIB DIARRA: 8.5/10

He didn’t have the ball often but when he did he made a big impact. He very nearly scored around five minutes in and broke forward on numerous occasions. Had another decent crack at goal, this time from outside the box, on the hour mark.

GRANIT XHAKA: 8.5/10

He created the most chances of anyone on the pitch today (at least according to the stats) and was constantly battling for the ball.

NOAH SADIKI: 8.5/10

Sadiki looked entirely comfortable throughout and performed his role effectively and without any major errors.

CHEMSDINE TALBI: 9/10

His passing was as close to perfect as you’re going to get and he assisted Wilson Isidor in stoppage time to wrap up the game.

ELIEZER MAYENDA: 9/10

A very visually pleasing header to get the ball rolling for us today. Opportunities for service were limited for a lot of the game and he took his chance really well.

SIMON ADINGRA: 8.5/10

He caused the second goal with a cross (no assist awarded though) and always had a go down the left wing. Adingra very nearly scored a few minutes after the break but just couldn’t quite get his first touch right.

SUBS:

OMAR ALDERETE: 9.5/10

He changed the game when he came on with his passing and assisted our opener. Defensively top notch too.

ENZO LE FEE: 7.5/10

Only had around 15 minutes to make an impact but he did well enough.

WILSON ISIDOR: 9/10

Literally made four touches but he made them count massively. Timed his run to perfection for the goal and took it very well at a non-easy angle.

CHRIS RIGG: N/A

On the pitch for a matter of seconds, nice to see him get his Premier League debut though.