West Ham United strengthened their fight against relegation with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the London Stadium, securing successive Premier League wins and piling pressure on their survival rivals.
The Hammers all but settled the contest before the interval, striking three times in the first half to maintain momentum from their recent win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes lifted David Moyes’ side to within two points of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland showed early intent, with Noah Sadiki testing Alphonse Areola with a powerful half-volley that required a sharp save.
However, West Ham soon found their rhythm and took control of proceedings.
Summerville opened the scoring in the 14th minute, rising highest to power home a header after an excellent delivery from Bowen on the right.
It marked the winger’s third goal in as many league matches.
Bowen then got his name on the scoresheet shortly after, calmly converting from the penalty spot following Ollie Scarles’ foul by Trai Hume to double the hosts’ advantage.
The first-half dominance was capped off in spectacular fashion as Fernandes unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner in the 43rd minute, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Sunderland responded with more urgency after the restart and reduced the deficit in the 66th minute when Brian Brobbey headed home Nordi Mukiele’s cross.
The Black Cats came close to further reducing the gap as Luke O’Nien struck the woodwork with a wayward cross.
Late drama followed at both ends, with Fernandes crashing another long-range effort against the bar before Tomas Soucek saw a stoppage-time goal ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
West Ham’s victory marked their first home league win since November 8 and confirmed a turnaround after ending a 10-game winless run with last week’s derby success over Spurs. Bowen was central to the triumph, contributing both a goal and an assist.
The England international also made club history, becoming West Ham’s leading player for Premier League goal involvements with 103 (63 goals, 40 assists), surpassing Michail Antonio.
Additionally, Bowen has now both scored and assisted in 11 separate Premier League matches for the Hammers, a club record that moves him ahead of Paolo Di Canio.
Statistically, West Ham were deserving winners, registering an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.43 from 13 attempts, compared to Sunderland’s 0.65 from seven shots.
The result also extended their strong home record against newly promoted sides, with 11 wins from their last 13 such encounters.
