London, England, ENG — West Ham United secured three points with a dominant first-half performance that saw four goals before the break at London Stadium.
Sunderland struck first through Noah Sadiki in the 2nd minute, but the lead lasted just 12 minutes. Crysencio Summerville equalized in the 14th minute before Jarrod Bowen put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute. Valentín Castellanos extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 31st minute with Mateus Fernandes adding a fourth before halftime in the 43rd minute.
Brian Brobbey pulled one back for Sunderland in the 66th minute, but the visitors could not mount a serious comeback despite controlling 52.9% of possession. West Ham's clinical finishing proved decisive, converting five of their 13 shots with five on target compared to Sunderland's two efforts on goal from seven attempts.
The Hammers controlled the match through superior efficiency in front of goal, capitalizing on their opportunities during a chaotic opening half-hour that featured five goals in 29 minutes.
GOALS:- 2' Noah Sadiki - Sunderland- 14' Crysencio Summerville - West Ham United- 28' Jarrod Bowen - West Ham United- 31' Valentín Castellanos - West Ham United- 43' Mateus Fernandes - West Ham United- 66' Brian Brobbey - Sunderland
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- West Ham United: Mateus Fernandes - Goal, controlled midfield- Sunderland: Brian Brobbey - Second-half goal, constant threat
KEY STAT: West Ham United scored four goals from just five shots on target, demonstrating clinical 80% conversion rate.