West Ham
Sunderland
West Ham vs Sunderland Match Commentary
West Ham vs Sunderland Match Overview: 3-1 Premier League
West Ham turned a lively contest into a statement win, powering to a West Ham vs Sunderland Score of 3-1 after a ruthless first-half burst and a disciplined finish. Crysencio Summerville’s early header set the tone, Jarrod Bowen doubled the lead from the spot, and Mateus Fernandes produced the strike of the afternoon to make it three before the break. Sunderland rallied in the second half and were rewarded when Brian Brobbey headed in, but the hosts managed the closing stages with maturity to secure the West Ham vs Sunderland Result on 24 January 2026.
First Half: West Ham’s early control becomes a three-goal surge
Sunderland began with intent, moving the ball neatly and forcing Alphonse Areola into an early save as the visitors tried to establish rhythm. Yet West Ham’s response was immediate and emphatic: crisp passing, patient probing, and a willingness to attack the box with numbers.
The opener arrived when Bowen’s clever lofted delivery found Summerville, who rose sharply and planted a close-range header into the roof of the net. That goal shifted the mood inside the stadium—West Ham looked calmer, quicker to second balls, and increasingly direct whenever space appeared between Sunderland’s lines.
The pressure told again when a sliding challenge inside the area brought West Ham a penalty. Bowen stepped up and finished with authority, stretching the lead and forcing Sunderland to chase. The visitors tried to settle through possession, but their attempts to slow the game were met by a home side that kept snapping into tackles and recycling the ball with purpose.
Just before half-time, West Ham delivered the moment that broke the contest open. Fernandes reacted first to a loose ball and unleashed a long-range drive that flew into the top-left corner—one of those strikes that silences defenders before the crowd catches up. At 3-0, it felt like West Ham had turned control into inevitability.
Second Half: Sunderland’s response, Brobbey’s header, and a composed finish
Regis Le Bris acted decisively at the interval, reshuffling Sunderland with multiple changes to add energy and improve their ball progression. The visitors did find longer spells of possession after the restart, and for a period West Ham were asked to defend with concentration rather than swagger.
Even so, the hosts continued to threaten on transitions. Bowen’s burst toward goal and Castellanos’ efforts around the box reminded Sunderland that one mistake could end any comeback. The away side’s best spell came as their passing became sharper and their wide delivery more consistent, and it eventually produced a lifeline: Brobbey met a quality cross and powered a header into the top-left corner to make it 3-1.
That goal injected belief, but West Ham handled the final phase smartly. Nuno Espírito Santo used his bench to refresh legs and protect the structure, while the home side slowed the tempo through controlled possession. Sunderland’s frustration showed in a flurry of late cautions, and West Ham saw out the closing minutes without allowing the match to tip into chaos.
Key Moments
- Summerville opened the scoring with a brave, close-range header after Bowen’s lofted pass.
- Bowen converted a penalty to put West Ham firmly in command.
- Fernandes struck from distance for a spectacular third just before the interval.
- Sunderland improved after half-time changes and sustained possession spells.
- Brobbey’s headed goal pulled one back, but West Ham’s game management sealed the win.
For supporters catching up on the West Ham vs Sunderland Highlights, the story is clear: West Ham’s first-half finishing decided the day, while Sunderland’s second-half improvement came too late to truly change the outcome.
West Ham vs Sunderland Stats Breakdown
This West Ham vs Sunderland Match Report is underpinned by numbers that reflect the flow: Sunderland had more of the ball (53% possession), but West Ham carried the greater threat and were sharper where it mattered.
- xG analysis: West Ham 1.52 vs Sunderland 0.67, a gap that matches West Ham’s clearer chances and penalty advantage.
- Total shots: West Ham 13 vs Sunderland 7, with the hosts producing 5 shots on target to Sunderland’s 2.
- Touches in opposition box: West Ham 25 vs Sunderland 13, highlighting the home side’s sustained presence in dangerous areas.
- Discipline and duels: West Ham won 60 duels to Sunderland’s 44, while Sunderland’s 16 fouls and five yellow cards disrupted their momentum.
In West Ham vs Sunderland Analysis terms, Sunderland’s possession was often controlled but not consistently incisive, while West Ham were more direct in turning good positions into shots and decisive moments. The West Ham vs Sunderland Goals also told a tactical tale: a well-timed run and header, a penalty finished with certainty, a long-range rebound strike, and a classic cross-and-header response.
West Ham vs Sunderland Lineups
West Ham XI (4-4-1-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Scarles; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Pablo; Castellanos.
Sunderland XI (4-4-2): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava; Hume, Sadiki, Le Fee, Mundle; Mayenda, Brobbey.
Notable substitutions: West Ham introduced Callum Wilson, Freddie Potts, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Max Kilman as they protected the lead. Sunderland reshaped at half-time with Habib Diarra, Dennis Cirkin and Chemsdine Talbi, later adding Wilson Isidor and Luke O’Nien.
Player of the Match
Jarrod Bowen. A goal from the penalty spot, an assist-like contribution with the pass for the opener, and constant urgency whenever West Ham broke forward. Even when Sunderland had more possession, Bowen’s running and decision-making kept the visitors wary and helped West Ham control the emotional temperature of the game.
What the Result Means
The West Ham vs Sunderland Result strengthens West Ham’s momentum and underlines the value of clinical first-half football in the Premier League. For Sunderland, the second-half response offered encouragement, but this was also a reminder that slow starts and ill-timed fouls can be punished quickly at this level.
If you searched for West Ham match today or Sunderland match today, this was one where the scoreboard was shaped early, and the remainder became a test of composure for the hosts and resilience for the visitors—an instructive Premier League match report for both camps.
The referee blows his whistle for the final time to end this match.
90+4'
Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) picks up a yellow card for an infringement.
90+3'
A substitution has been made. Crysencio Summerville goes off and Max Kilman (West Ham) comes on.
90+1'
West Ham quickly take a corner kick with a short pass.
90+1'
The referee shows the yellow card to Mateus Fernandes (West Ham).
90+1'
The fourth official shows 4 min. of added time.
88'
The yellow card is received by Habib Diarra (Sunderland).
87'
Sunderland slow the tempo of the game down by exchanging a combination of one or two touch passes. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult at the moment, very physically demanding to run without the ball.
86'
Luke O'Nien (Sunderland) sends a teasing cross into the area, but Alphonse Areola intercepts the ball.
85'
The ball is cleared after Callum Wilson (West Ham) attempted to dribble past an opposing player.
83'
Substitution. Luke O'Nien (Sunderland) replaces Nordi Mukiele.
80'
The game is interrupted because of a yellow card that is shown to Noah Sadiki (Sunderland).
79'
Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland) slaloms his way past challenges, but an opposing player does well to get the ball away.
76'
West Ham slow the tempo of the game down by exchanging a combination of one or two touch passes. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult at the moment, very physically demanding to run without the ball.
75'
Here is a change. Eliezer Mayenda is going off and Regis Le Bris gives the last tactical orders to Wilson Isidor (Sunderland).
75'
Substitution. Taty Castellanos makes way for Freddie Potts (West Ham).
73'
Sunderland seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. Great movement by the offensive players allows the defenders to set up the attack.
71'
Taty Castellanos (West Ham) is booked.
70'
Nuno Espirito Santo prepares a substitution. Oliver Scarles is replaced by El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham).
70'
Pablo comes off the pitch to be replaced by Callum Wilson (West Ham).
70'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) goes on a solo run, but he fails to create a chance as an opposition player blocks him.
68'
Wonderful movement by Sunderland. The players are holding possession, mostly exchanging one-touch passes. They control the pace of the game now.
66'
3 - 1
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) gets on the end of a fine cross and heads the ball into the top left corner!
66'
Sunderland slow the tempo of the game down by exchanging a combination of one or two touch passes. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult at the moment, very physically demanding to run without the ball.
64'
Taty Castellanos (West Ham) picks up a pass and hits the ball towards the top of the net, but he can't generate enough power to trouble Robin Roefs.
62'
Wonderful movement by Sunderland. The players are holding possession, mostly exchanging one-touch passes. They control the pace of the game now.
60'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) takes the corner which is cleared.
58'
Nothing comes of the resulting corner from Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland). The defence is alert and manages to cut it out.
56'
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) races towards goal but the defender gets back well to make a challenge.
54'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) performs a sliding tackle but catches his opponent's legs. The referee blows his whistle for an infringement.
53'
West Ham are showing great team chemistry. They are passing it around beautifully. Excellent team work.
50'
Wonderful movement by Sunderland. The players are holding possession, mostly exchanging one-touch passes. They control the pace of the game now.
47'
Sunderland slow the tempo of the game down by exchanging a combination of one or two touch passes. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult at the moment, very physically demanding to run without the ball.
46'
There will be a change on the pitch for the second half. Regis Le Bris probably wasn't satisfied with the performance of Trai Hume (Sunderland). He is replaced by Habib Diarra.
46'
Half-time substitution. Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) will not participate anymore and Dennis Cirkin is coming on.
46'
Here is a change after the half-time break. Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) is replaced by Chemsdine Talbi.
46'
The second half gets underway.
45+4'
That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+3'
Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) floats the free kick into the box, but it's easily cleared by the first man.
45+1'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) swings in the corner, but it's comfortably cleared away.
45'
3 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
43'
3 - 0
Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) quickly gets to a rebound. He is not worried how far out he is and slams the ball towards the goal. To the amazement of all, it goes all the way into the top left corner. He makes it 3:0 with this magnificent strike.
39'
Long passes, short passes and one-two passes. West Ham are showcasing great team work by keeping possession and producing pin-point passes from player to player. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult to intercept at the moment.
35'
Thomas Bramall shows a yellow card to Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) for his blatant foul.
34'
Sunderland are showcasing great team work by exchanging some short passes and one-two passes, waiting to open the opposition's defence and hit them swiftly on the break.
32'
Robin Roefs comes off his line to intercept the corner from Crysencio Summerville (West Ham).
31'
Robin Roefs pulls off a fantastic save! Taty Castellanos (West Ham) attempts to head home after a precise cross into the box. He aims his header towards the top of the net, but the effort is kept out.
30'
Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) gets booked for the first time in this match.
28'
2 - 0
Goal! Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) puts the ball into the bottom right corner past the outstretched arm of Robin Roefs.
28'
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) is going to take the penalty!
26'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) makes a slide tackle, but referee Thomas Bramall blows for a foul. The referee gives a penalty to West Ham after a quick talk with the linesman, who had apparently seen the situation from a better perspective.
24'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) quickly takes the free kick with a short pass.
23'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away.
23'
Wonderful movement by Sunderland. The players are holding possession, mostly exchanging one-touch passes. They control the pace of the game now.
22'
Sunderland produce a short pass from the free kick.
19'
Sunderland seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. Great movement by the offensive players allows the defenders to set up the attack.
17'
Pablo (West Ham) sends in a shot from a promising distance after a precise pass. His effort goes inches over the crossbar. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Sunderland.
16'
Wonderful movement by Sunderland. The players are holding possession, mostly exchanging one-touch passes. They control the pace of the game now.
14'
1 - 0
Goal! Jarrod Bowen plays a neat lofted pass into the box for Crysencio Summerville (West Ham), who beats the defender in the air and plants a header into the roof of the net from close range. 1:0.
13'
West Ham are happy to keep the ball as they wait for gaps in defence to open up. However, an opposing player steps in and clears. It's a throw-in for West Ham.
11'
Long passes, short passes and one-two passes. West Ham are showcasing great team work by keeping possession and producing pin-point passes from player to player. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult to intercept at the moment.
9'
Taty Castellanos (West Ham) does his best to latch onto a cross into the box, but he can't get to the ball.
8'
The free kick is taken by Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), but ball is cleared.
5'
West Ham are showing great team chemistry. They are passing it around beautifully. Excellent team work.
2'
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) blew a promising chance when he got to a rebound just outside the penalty area. He struck it towards the top of the net, but the Alphonse Areola pulled off a nice save. Good work from Sunderland as they win a corner.
2'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) steps up to send the ball in.
2'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) wastes a good opportunity as his pass into the box is blocked by the defence. Sunderland force their opponents to concede a corner.
1'
Sunderland slow the tempo of the game down by exchanging a combination of one or two touch passes. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult at the moment, very physically demanding to run without the ball.
1'
Today's match has just started, enjoy the game!
The players are out at last! Sunderland will take the kick-off.
Today's referee will be Thomas Bramall.
Show lineups
The starting lineups for this match have been revealed.
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