West Ham secures a convincing victory, fueling the Premier League relegation battle

(Football result) - The 3-1 triumph against Sunderland allows West Ham to continue their winning run, closing in on the safe zone and sparking renewed optimism for avoiding relegation in the Premier League this year.

West Ham United achieved a crucial 3-1 victory over Sunderland at London Stadium, boosting their survival hopes in the Premier League and avenging their earlier defeat this season.

Sunderland started aggressively and quickly threatened when Noah Sadiki fired a shot from outside the box, forcing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola into an early save within the first two minutes. However, West Ham gradually took control and capitalized on their dominance in the 14th minute. Jarrod Bowen’s run down the right flank led to Crysencio Summerville’s precise header, giving the home side the lead.

Following the goal, the match opened up with chances at both ends. Trai Hume nearly equalized for Sunderland, but his header struck the crossbar. On the other side, Pablo missed a chance with an inaccurate finish. The turning point came just before the half-hour mark when Ollie Scarles was fouled by Hume inside the box. From the penalty spot, Bowen calmly converted, making it 2-0 despite goalkeeper Robin Roefs guessing the right direction.

West Ham’s confidence soared after the second goal. Taty Castellanos and Summerville tested Roefs repeatedly before Mateus Fernandes made his mark with a stunning shot into the top corner, extending the lead to 3-0 before halftime.

In the second half, West Ham maintained their confidence despite Sunderland pushing hard following tactical changes by coach Régis Le Bris. The visitors’ efforts paid off in the 66th minute when Nordi Mukiele delivered a precise cross for Brian Brobbey to head in and reduce the deficit. Sunderland continued to apply pressure, but chances went begging, most notably Wilson Isidor’s volley that sailed over the bar.

In the final minutes, Areola made a crucial save from a dangerous Luke Onien cross, preserving West Ham’s 3-1 victory. This result gives the Hammers back-to-back Premier League wins, lifting them to just two points behind the safety spot held by Nottingham Forest, while Sunderland suffered their second defeat in three matches.

Squad information West Ham vs Sunderland

• West Ham:Fabianski did not play.
• Sunderland:Alese, Trảoe, Masuaku, Bi were absent.

Expected lineups West Ham vs Sunderland

• West Ham:Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Scarles; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Pablo; Castellanos.
• Sunderland:Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Xhaka; Hume, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey.

Form & Head-to-head record

• West Ham form:In their last 5 games, West Ham won 2, drew 1, and lost 2, scoring 7 goals and conceding 9.
• Sunderland form:In their last 5 matches, Sunderland won 2, drew 2, and lost 1, scoring 5 goals and conceding 6.
• Head-to-head record:In the last 5 meetings, West Ham won 2, Sunderland won 1, and 2 ended in draws.