Sunderland player ratings vs West Ham: Dan Ballard stars, 4/10 average
Sunderland kicked off their Premier League campaign with a perfect 3-0 victory against West Ham at the Stadium of Light.
A brand new Sunderland tifo was unveiled at the Stadium of Light ahead of kick-off against Graham Potter’s side on Saturday.
It was an even first half between the two teams, with the Black Cats defending resolutely, while Habib Diarra spurned an early chance.
However, the home outfit turned it on in the second half with headed goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Dan Ballard before Wilson Isidor bagged a third.
Dan Ballard continues play-off exploits for Sunderland
Ballard was one of the stars of the Championship play-offs, with his goal and defending vital to achieving promotion.
The Northern Ireland international partnered Jenson Seelt in the hub of defence, in what can only be described as a makeshift partnership.
Ballard was on hand to deny new West Ham signing El Hadji Malick Diouf, with a phenomenal sliding block in the first half.
Then, in the second 45, the 25-year-old rose the highest to head home Simon Adingra’s superb cross for the Black Cats’ second.
| Dan Ballard’s statistics vs West Ham | Total |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clearances | 8 |
| Blocked shots | 4 |
| Total tackles | 1 |
| Aerial duels (won) | 9 (6) |
Thanks to the centre-back, Sunderland earned a win and a clean sheet on their return to the Premier League.
Read more: Nordi Mukiele’s whereabouts revealed for Sunderland vs West Ham ahead of new transfer
Eliezer Mayenda makes statement at Stadium of Light
Mayenda was feeding off scraps in the first half and looked to be heading to an underwhelming performance.
The 20-year-old endured a difficult pre-season and failed to land a single goal, having skied a penalty against Augsburg.
However, second-half substitute Omar Alderete delivered a pinpoint cross, which was headed superbly into the bottom corner by Mayenda for the Wearsiders’ first.
With Mark Guiu waiting in the Sunderland wings, he needed to bag an early-season goal, and he has done just that.
It felt like Mayenda’s header was struck in slow motion towards Mads Hermansen’s goal, and the Irons shotstopper scurried to no avail.
Sunderland player ratings v West Ham
Robin Roefs – 7
Trai Hume – 7
Dan Ballard – 9
Jenson Seelt – 7
Reinildo Mandava – 7
Habib Diarra – 7
Granit Xhaka – 7
Noah Sadiki – 4
Chemsdine Talbi – 7
Simon Adingra – 8
Eliezer Mayenda – 8
Subs
Omar Alderte – 7
Enzo Le Fee – 5
Wilson Isidor – 7
Chris Rigg – 5
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