Wayne Rooney: Eliezer Mayenda had no right to do what he did in Sunderland win v West Ham
Wayne Rooney was thrilled with Eliezer Mayenda as Sunderland secured a 3-0 victory against West Ham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Sunderland returned to the Premier League with a win, picking up three important points against an established top-flight side.
Mayenda found the back of the net at the Stadium of Light, with Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor also scoring for Regis Le Bris’ team.
Rooney lauds Mayenda’s opener
Rooney, who is now a pundit for the BBC’s Match of the Day, analysed the game between Sunderland and West Ham.
He mentioned that while the Black Cats brought in a number of new players this summer, it was the established names that proved to be the difference on the afternoon.
The former Manchester United forward singled out Mayenda, who found the back of the net in the 61st minute with an impressive header.
| Player | Former Club | Fee |
| Habib Diarra | Strasbourg | £30m |
| Simon Adingra | Brighton | £21m |
| Enzo Le Fee | AS Roma | £20m |
| Chemsdine Talbi | Club Brugge | £19.5m |
| Noah Sadiki | Union Saint-Gilloise | £17.75m |
| Granit Xhaka | Bayer Leverkusen | £17.3m |
| Robin Roefs | NEC Nijmegen | £11.5m |
| Reinildo Mandava | Atletico Madrid | Free |
| Arthur Masuaku | Besiktas | Free |
| Marc Guiu | Chelsea | Loan |
The 20-year-old judged the flight of the ball perfectly, kept the Hammers defenders at bay, and headed the ball home.
Rooney said in the 14th minute of the MOTD broadcast: “So many new players, but the players that were there who helped them get into the Premier League last season had a huge impact in the game this afternoon.
“If you look at Mayenda, he occupies the defence, stays in the middle of the goal, which is really important, and the cross, it’s a good cross.
“He’s got no right to score there and I think it’s just pure determination, willing to put his head on the end of the ball, gets a good contact, good header, and a well-deserved goal to put them 1-0 up.”
- Read more: Alan Shearer ‘outs himself as a coward’ with reaction to Sunderland victory on Match of the Day
Sunderland can now go two wins in a row
Sunderland’s victory over West Ham showcased their Premier League readiness, marking a triumphant return after eight years.
The display highlighted their attacking flair and defensive solidity and that will hold them in good stead in the coming weeks.
Granit Xhaka’s midfield control and Ballard’s defensive dominance outshone West Ham’s lacklustre display.
As they face Burnley next, Sunderland’s momentum and cohesive squad make them favourites to secure a second consecutive win, potentially cementing their early-season credentials in their battle against relegation.