Follow live coverage as Sunderland face West Ham United today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Liverpool look to fend off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The race for the Champions League places should also be a compelling battle, with a fifth place possible for English teams. Manchester United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim sets expectations high once more after a dismal season last time out.
Meanwhile, it’s Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Sunderland AFC 3 - 0 West Ham United FC
Sunderland vs West Ham United
17:07Sunderland started their first Premier League campaign in eight years in truly superb fashion as they confidently beat West Ham 3-0 at a bouncing Stadium of Light. While the first 45 minutes saw the new-look Black Cats still starting to gel against the off-beat Hammers, the second half saw a composed performance from the hosts. Just after the hour, Mayenda opened the scoring as he powerfully guided in an Alderete cross from the left with his head. Less than 15 minutes later, Mackem euphoria continued as Ballard followed suit to nod in a Hume corner from the right. Despite throwing bodies forward into the Sunderland third, a visibly shaken West Ham had little to respond with as they underperformed their 0.61 xG. On the contrary, and bettering their 0.70 xG, the hosts firmly secured their day ticket in dreamland with the game's third goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Talbi fed substitute Isidor on the counter, before he jinked in from the left and stroked the ball into the bottom-right corner. Sunderland will be hoping for another ferocious atmosphere as they welcome fellow promoted side Burnley next time out, while West Ham will look to regroup as they take on Chelsea at home. Thank you for joining us today, we hope you enjoyed the game!
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:57FULL-TIME: SUNDERLAND 3-0 WEST HAM
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:56The West Ham free-kick comes in, but a swinging red and white leg sees danger subside before a second cross is claimed easily by Roefs.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:55The Stadium of Light is rapturous right now. West Ham are chasing the ball as the cheers turn to jeers. Bowen takes it upon himself to win the ball back before being fouled to end the fun.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:53After his assist, Talbi comes off now for 18-year-old Chris Rigg, who is on for his Premier League debut.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:51Assist Chemsdine Talbi
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:51West Ham can't get to the ball, and Talbi dribbles out well. He has people with him on the counter...
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:51As the clock ticks over to signal seven minutes of added time, Roefs flaps at a West Ham corner as the visitors earn another on the left.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:49Wan-Bissaka crosses well from the right for Fullkrug to head on target. However, Roefs isn't trouble again.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:47LOVELY SAVE ROEFS! Irving floats in a left-sided free-kick and Wilson nods on goal, only to be denied by a fine tip over from the Dutchman!
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:45The West Ham play stays high and the next delivery pinballs briefly before landing for Soucek to strike into the ground. It's an easy claim for Roefs. In the next phase, Diouf lofts a ball out for a goal kick.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:43Wan-Bissaka is found inside the box towards the right byline, yet Sadiki gets over quickly to block the lunging defender's cross out for a corner. Soucek takes and Bowen is in there, yet Sunderland clear.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:42Potter reshuffles the pack now and replaces Todibo with Andy Irving from the bench.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:42Paqueta lofts a delicate chip over the backline for Wilson. However, the jeers continue against the former Magpie as his touch just isn't up to scratch. The ball trickles out for a goal kick.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:40Kilman flings a high ball into the box from the left, yet Bowen can't quite bring it down. Surely Fullkrug was the intended target.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:39West Ham offer another brief foray forward as a response to conceding and win a corner on the right. The delivery is punched out before Diouf lets fly from range. It's deflected wide for another set-piece. This one finds Wilson, but it's comfortably wide, to the delight of the home crowd and the frustration of the former Newcastle forward.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:36The ovation continues as the goal-getting Mayenda is replaced by Wilson Isidor. If this stays the same, this'll be day these players won't forget in a hurry.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:34Substitution Simon Adingra Enzo Le Fée
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:33Assist Simon Adingra
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:33The free-kick on the left is caught easily by Hermansen, yet West Ham fail to properly clear, and Adingra earns another set-piece. This time it's a corner. Hermansen rises to Hume's delivery and claws it out. It doesn't go far though.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:33Next, Ward-Prowse is replaced by Tomas Soucek as the visitors try to compete further in the midfield battle.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:33Potter goes for a double change now. Rodriguez makes way for new forward signing Callum Wilson as the Hammers search for a goal.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:32Kilman is beaten for pace by Mayenda and hauls the goalscorer down to give Sunderland a free-kick on the left and to earn himself a cynical yellow card.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:27Despite Sunderland's 37% possession, they lead this encounter and threaten again until a pass to Reinildo is ushered out for a Hermansen goal kick. With just over 20 minutes remaining, West Ham need to click into gear soon.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:26West Ham look to get back into the game, but Sunderland remain stubborn at the back. Potter will really be asking questions of his defence after that goal. That Alderete ball was a good one, but it should've been far harder for Mayenda to latch onto. Everyone is up on their feet as Xhaka takes to the turf. There's a brief moment of applause honouring matchday Donna Weir, who recently passed away.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:24Will the Hammers react? Their record suggests a struggle. West Ham have failed to win any of their last 22 matches when conceding first in the Premier League, since a victory over Luton Town on 11th May 2024.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:21Assist Omar Alderete
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:20Goal Eliezer Mayenda
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:20DIARRA! That's not far off from range! A long ball looks for Mayenda. It's headed down inadvertently by a defender to Adingra, and he feeds Diarra. He jinks onto his left and fires from way outside the area. It just goes over the bar! If you don't buy a ticket, so they say...
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:16Diarra is found on the right and tries to go back across the box. However, Rodriguez does really well to lunge in front of the ball to give away a corner. This'll be Sunderland's fourth corner.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:16Kilman fouls Mayenda from behind as he tries to hold the ball up. He's lucky not to be booked as well after kicking the ball away.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:16Sunderland steadily build out from the back and look for Mayenda, yet Rodriguez breaks up play well to regain possession.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:11After a brief stoppage, play resumes. West Ham come forward and move down the left. Rodriguez crosses, but it's headed away. Over on the far side, Seelt is down again after that earlier knock. It looks like his game is over.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:11Substitution Jenson Seelt Omar Alderete
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:09Seelt is down now after an awkward clash with Paqueta in the air forces him into a nasty landing.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:08CLOSE! A long ball tempts Mayenda to chase to the right byline. He blazes a cross back, and it's out of Hermansen's hands before Adingra arrives to fire wide of the right post.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:07Bowen skips away from Sadiki in the centre and finds Wan-Bissaka on the right. However, the wing-back is smothered. This was much of the possession's trend in the first half, with play moving from side to side, just trying to pick the Sunderland lock to no avail.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:05Sunderland restart with kick-off, moving from left to right.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
16:02This game has been an intriguing watch so far. Of course, with a number of new personnel, Sunderland look like a team still getting used to themselves, although their well-drilled shape has made West Ham relatively toothless. The Hammers have been confined to a 0.42 xG, while the Black Cats have clawed their way to a lower 0.31 xG as they operate predominantly on the counter. You can't help feeling Fullkrug could be used a little better, but given Sunderland's organisation in their own area, clearing the ball 12 times, West Ham may soon need to look to the bench for a refreshed approach.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:57Sunderland's eight-year absence from the Premier League ends with a steady first 45 minutes back in the big time. Drawing 0-0 with West Ham at the interval, the hosts haven't looked out of their depth, yet could still do with offering a little more going forward. West Ham have imposed the threat of a top-flight regular, yet just haven't been able to pick the lock. First, Bowen looked to make a mark just four minutes in, yet his low effort from the right was turned behind well by debutant Roefs. Three minutes later, Hermansen was in action up the other end, as Diarra darted through with the help of Mayenda before stinging the Dane's gloves on his Hammers' debut. After this, the biggest chance of the match fell to another new man in Diouf before the half-hour mark. He was found by Bowen's pass and Fullkrug's dummy from the right, before aiming low across goal. The ball whizzed past Roefs, but Ballard was on hand to slide in well and stop the ball's journey to the corner.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:48HALF-TIME: SUNDERLAND 0-0 WEST HAM
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:48The next set-piece is far deeper and aims for Ballard and West Ham clear.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:47Hume takes the corner before Todibo and Diarra getting a lecture from referee Jones disrupts the order of service. The next delivery drops awkwardly for the visitors. Mayenda is then blocked to earn a corner on the other side.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:46Talbi latches onto a cute Adingra ball inside the left channel and crosses as a counter comes to fruition. Kilman blocks, and the Sunderland fans want a penalty for handball. However, they'll have to do with a corner on the left.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:44A long switch of play evades Diouf on the left. Paqueta steadily gets back to his feet, as previously, Xhaka clattered into him as he passed the ball off. Really let him know he was there. Adingra then fouls Todibo as he heads out a long ball from the home defence.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:42The latest stats arrive. West Ham have completed 209 passes to Sunderland's 106.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:42Todibo is forward and tries a cross. However, this is blocked and Wan-Bissaka is tasked with a right-sided throw. Sunderland stay firm in their shape and the ball goes backwards until a ballooning Hermansen clearance under pressure gives Sunderland the ball back.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:42Sunderland try to feed Mayenda in the West Ham box unsuccessfully, before cries go up for a corner. However, the ball remains in and the Hammers half-clear before a failed final ball gives the visitors a goal kick.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:38That last post is rather telling of West Ham's approach. Fullkrug has had to do it himself. There haven't been many balls from out wide to serve the big man. Perhaps that'll change if we go into the break goalless. For now, the German is frustrated as he gives a physical foul away in the Sunderland half.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:37Fullkrug wrestles with Seelt on the right byline and is unable to cross without the defender rebounding the ball off him for a Roefs' goal kick. More solid defending from the hosts.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:35On the half-hour mark, possession sits at 38% for the hosts and 62% for West Ham.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:34After Fullkrug fires off-target, West Ham continue to grow in confidence. Bowen tries a shot, but Seelt blocks it well.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:32BALLARD! GREAT SAVE WITH A SLIDING CHALLENGE! Wan-Bissaka works the ball inwards from the right for Bowen to turn into space well. He knocks it off to Fullkrug, who leaves it for Diouf to hit back across. It's past Roefs, but Ballard is back to slide it away from the bottom-right corner! Excellent defending.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:28West Ham continue to build down the right. They earlier breached the box with Bowen, but Sunderland remain steadfast in their defensive approach so far.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:28Ward-Prowse tries to make himself some space with a driving run in the centre, but much akin to this game's pace so far, he doesn't get far until a Sunderland prod sees the ball knocked away. Play moves to the right.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:25Ward-Prowse swings in a cross from the right-sided set-piece after Diouf's dummy. However, it evades everyone and Sunderland are allowed to regroup.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:24Adingra goes down on the edge of the West Ham area, and protests are ignored. Bowen races away before Reinildo brings him down for a foul. We're in crossing territory here.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:23Paqueta threatens near the Sunderland box, yet falls under a challenge from Xhaka. The referee waves away the meagre protest and the hosts can counter, but instead choose to build more steadily.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:21Adingra does too much as he jinks inside from the right down the edge of the box. Bowen picks up the ball and threatens to spark a counter, yet the Ivorian races back brilliantly to slide the ball out of play. He'll quickly win favour with the locals with dedication like that. Great tenacity.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:19Reinildo stands with the ball, preparing for a throw, and 'Sunderland 'til I die' belts out. What an atmosphere. Will it be rewarded?
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:17Fullkrug flicks a long ball onto Bowen, but Ballard deals with it. Sunderland spend some time on the ball. They patiently push from side to side until Ward-Prowse dispossesses Adingra and wins a throw.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:16Xhaka wins a very professional free-kick as he tracks back well to skip over a Fullkrug lunge. Referee Robert Jones awards a foul and nothing else. That's the sort of stability and experience we should see from Xhaka this term, barring any silly bookings or worse, dismissals.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:16Bowen's progress is halted on the left of the Sunderland box and a counter threatens to begin. Bums get off seats, but Diarra's pass hits the West Ham man in front of him and ricochets into his head. Sit back down, everyone.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:12West Ham are just trying to piece a move together right now. The Sunderland noise seems to be as constant as the deft passes as the Hammers try to work through the red and white bodies.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:10BIG SAVE HERMANSEN! Diarra scampers through the West Ham backline in the central-right channel with the help of Mayenda and drives an effort at Hermansen. The Dane manages to parry over for a corner! Great reactions! The resulting corner flies through everyone, allowing the play to reset.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:08Sunderland look promising down the right as Xhaka and Talbi link up with Hume. However, the latter's cross is easily blocked and the hosts are contained to a throw-in before West Ham regain possession.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:07EARLY CHANCE! Bowen gets the ball down with his chest and drives away from Reinildo and Seelt before shooting low at Roefs from the right. The Dutch keeper does well to turn it behind. From the resulting right-sided corner, he parries away before Diouf half-volleys over from the edge of the box.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:05The early stages see possession swap from one side to the other, before a long ball looks for Mayenda for the hosts. Aguerd reacts accordingly and tackles well.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:04'Can't Help Falling in Love' rings out around this passionate arena before West Ham get us started, kicking from left to right.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:02The players are out and the Stadium of Light is rocking. A giant tifo of a knight slaying a dragon dons one end, as the hosts have some goliath battles to take on this term. This ground is packed to the rafters today. Hopefully, all in attendance will be witnessing an action-packed contest. Before that though, we have a minute's silence as football continues to mourn the demise of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:57Today, the Black Cats and the Hammers square off for the first time since April 2017, when Fabio Borini netted a 90th-minute equaliser for the home side in a 2-2 top-flight draw on Wearside. Sunderland will be hopeful that their spending will aid their survival, while West Ham will be looking to improve upon mediocrity after Graham Potter's first half-season at the helm. This is the fourth time the visitors are starting a Premier League campaign against a promoted side, with the Hammers winning each of the previous three. Sunderland are trying to win their opening PL fixture at the eighth time of asking (D4 L3).
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:41Graham Potter hands former Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen his West Ham debut, with Alphonse Areola having to settle for a place on the bench. El Hadji Malick Diouf also starts, while Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson are named among the substitutes.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:41Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris hands Premier League debuts to seven summer signings, as Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandova, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra and goalkeeper Robin Roefs all start. Fellow new arrivals Enzo Le Fee, Marc Guiu, Omar Alderete are on the bench, while former Hammers defender Arthur Masuaku is not in the matchday squad.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:36SUBS: Alphonse Areola, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Kyle Walker-Peters, Andy Irving, Edson Alvarez, Freddie Potts, Oliver Scarles, Tomas Soucek, Callum Wilson.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:36WEST HAM (3-5-2): Mads Hermansen; Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, Nayef Aguerd; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodriguez, James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta, Malick Diouf; Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:30SUBS: Anthony Patterson, Omar Alderete, Chris Rigg, Daniel Neil, Enzo Le Fee, Harrison Jones, Marc Guiu, Patrick Roberts, Wilson Isidor.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:30SUNDERLAND (4-3-3): Robin Roefs; Trae Hume, Daniel Ballard, Jenson Seelt, Reinildo; Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda, Simon Adingra.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:30After eight years in the Football League, Sunderland are back in the promised land, and welcome West Ham to the Stadium of Light for their Premier League curtain-raiser. The day’s hosts will be hoping to make a solid start following their play-off promotion last term. Regis Le Bris has overseen 11 signings and has no regrets over the club’s £130 million outlay, especially if it’s what’s required to keep his side up. West Ham enter this campaign looking to better their 14th-placed finish from last season, and reignite the passion of East London that saw them fervently supported in a brief European foray not too long ago. That said, West Ham have lost their opening match of a Premier League season more times than any other side (16). A rejuvenated Sunderland will present another great test today.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
14:30Hello everyone, and welcome back to live text coverage of the Premier League as the first Saturday of the 2025-26 season rolls into life! Yesterday we had a great opening night with Liverpool's 4-2 win over Bournemouth. As the Black Cats return to the top-flight, many will be hoping that Sunderland and West Ham can replicate the action on Wearside.
Sunderland vs West Ham United
13:00Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
