Alan Shearer says ‘fantastic’ Sunderland moment was a ‘game-changer’ in West Ham win
It was a dream return to the Premier League for Sunderland at The Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Sunderland smashed West Ham 3-0, with goals coming from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor.
Granit Xhaka was among the several debutants to impress, with Habib Diarra also attracting plaudits for his energetic performance.
Nordi Mukiele’s £12m arrival from PSG was confirmed on Sunday, 17 August, completing what was a perfect weekend for Sunderland.
Alan Shearer praises Dan Ballard impact vs West Ham
Several players were making their competitive debuts against West Ham, and they impressed massively. Simon Adingra picked up an assist, whilst Diarra and Xhaka dominated the midfield.
Robin Roefs made one superb save late on, and Omar Alderete’s second-half cameo wowed fans, with the Paraguay international picking out Mayenda for the opener.
But many of the headlines were stolen by a player who made his debut more than three years ago.
Ballard was exceptional throughout the game, dominating his aerial duels and constantly on hand to make a telling contribution.
| Dan Ballard | vs West Ham |
| Goals | 1 |
| Passes into final third | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 |
| Clearances | 9 |
It was his goal which put Sunderland 2-0 up, the defender crashing the box to power a header past Mads Hermansen and into the bottom left corner.
But it was a moment from Ballard earlier in the game that caught Alan Shearer’s attention, a goal-saving block from the shot of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The former Newcastle United striker said on The Rest is Football on 18 August: “That was fantastic. That was the game changer, that, you know, because if that goes in, it’s very, very different.
“So for him to save that one off the line and then get a brilliant header as well.”
Should Diouf’s effort have found the net, Sunderland certainly could have been facing a very different day.
Gary Lineker remarks at ‘incredible’ atmosphere
It was a momentous occasion at The Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Premier League had finally returned after more than eight years of waiting.
And Sunderland were keen to make the most of it, each player flying out of the blocks, fed by a rambunctious atmosphere.
Gary Lineker was impressed, and said: “The atmosphere as well seemed incredible in there, the atmosphere.
“I mean, I remember, you know, when they used to play at Roker Park and they used to call it the Roker roar.”
If Saturday was anything to go by, Premier League sides will not be looking forward to their trips to The Stadium of Light.
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