(Credit: Imago)
Sat 16 August 2025 17:00, UK
West Ham United lost 3-0 against Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
Graham Potter’s team travelled to the Stadium of Light on 16 August, and the teams were level at the break after an uneventful first half.
While Simon Adingra’s cross hit Max Kilman’s arm in the 41st minute, Rob Jones waved away shouts of a penalty as the defender’s hands were tucked in.
Regis Le Bris’ team talk at half-time seemed to work for the hosts as Eliezer Mayenda scored at the hour mark before Dan Ballard doubled the Wearside outfit’s lead, and Wilson Isidor capped off an impressive win for the Black Cats.
West Ham, on the other hand, were nothing short of shocking.
Former Leicester City shot-stopper Mads Hermansen was impressive. (Credit: Imago)Mads Hermansen stands out for West Ham against Sunderland
Mads Hermansen pulled off a brilliant save for the Hammers in the opening minutes of the fixture, parrying the ball over for a corner after an effort from Habib Diarra.
The ex-Leicester City goalkeeper seems to be Potter’s number one, and he warranted the manager’s decision with his performance at the Stadium of Light.
It was a shame to see the 25-year-old not being able to keep Mayenda’s header out, but it would’ve been almost impossible for the shot-stopper to get across, as his defence let him down.
Once again with Ballard’s goal, Hermansen couldn’t have done much as the Irons failed to close down the cross quickly, and the defence was all over the place as the centre-back was up against Lucas Paqueta in the box.
The Danish star did make an error for Isidor’s goal, but the game was arguably wrapped up by then.
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Niclas Fullkrug was poor for West Ham against Sunderland. (Credit: Imago)Niclas Fullkrug struggles vs Sunderland
Niclas Fullkrug certainly has a point to prove at the London Stadium this season after an injury-hit debut campaign in E20.
The striker had some good moments linking up play with Jarrod Bowen at the start of the first half, but drifted out of the game.
It didn’t look like Fullkrug was fully fit as he looked lethargic on the pitch for West Ham.
Special mention needs to be given to El Hadji Malick Diouf for a rather compelling debut despite the Hammers’ struggles.
West Ham player ratings vs Sunderland
Mads Hermansen — 7
Aaron Wan-Bissaka — 4
Jean-Clair Todibo — 3
Max Kilman — 2
Nayef Aguerd — 5
El Hadji Malick Diouf — 6
James Ward-Prowse — 3
Guido Rodriguez — 2
Lucas Paqueta — 4
Jarrod Bowen — 5
Niclas Fullkrug — 1
Substitutes:
Tomas Soucek — 5
Callum Wilson — 5
Andy Irving — 5
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