West Ham secured a vital 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the London Stadium, with all three goals coming in a dominant first half. The win moves the Hammers closer to escaping the relegation zone after ending a long winless streak. Sunderland managed a second-half consolation but could not mount a full comeback.
West Ham United took a significant step in their Premier League survival campaign by defeating Sunderland 3-1 on January 24, 2026, at the London Stadium. The match, a crucial early kick-off, saw the home side overcome early nerves to dominate the first half and hold firm afterward.
The game began with Sunderland creating the first chance, as Noah Sadiki's shot from the edge of the box forced West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to tip it over in the second minute. West Ham soon settled, taking the lead in the 14th minute when Jarrod Bowen delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing Crysencio Summerville to rise and head powerfully past Robin Roefs.
Moments later, Bowen nearly made it two, but his shot deflected to Pablo Fornals, who volleyed over. Sunderland's Daniel Ballard headed just wide in response. The Hammers doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Trai Hume fouled Ollie Scarles in the box; Bowen calmly converted, sending Roefs the wrong way.
Before halftime, Matheus Fernandes capped a masterful half with a stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner, leaving the Black Cats shell-shocked. Regis Le Bris responded with a triple substitution at the break, bringing on Dennis Cirkin, Chemsdine Talbi, and Habib Diarra for Reinildo Mandava, Hume, and Romaine Mundle.
The second half saw West Ham manage their lead, though Valentin Castellanos tested Roefs with a dangerous shot. Sunderland pulled one back with 25 minutes remaining when Brian Brobbey finished a well-worked move from Sadiki's cross. Substitute Wilson Isidor missed a volley late on, and a Luke O'Nien mis-hit cross nearly caught Areola out, requiring a tip onto the post.
Tension arose when play stopped due to a dispute between unavailable Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka and West Ham fans. In added time, Fernandes struck the crossbar, but a goal was disallowed after Tomas Soucek's involvement was deemed a foul.
The result ends West Ham's 10-game winless run, following a 2-1 win at Tottenham, and places them within two points of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. Sunderland, aiming for European spots, remain ninth but winless in six away games. Both teams were without key players: Lucas Paqueta for West Ham amid transfer rumors, and Xhaka for Sunderland due to injury concerns.
West Ham's unchanged lineup from their previous victory featured Areola in goal, with new signings Pablo and Taty starting. Sunderland welcomed back Diarra and Talbi from AFCON.
