West Ham Defeat Sunderland 3-1 to Strengthen Premier League Survival Hopes

West Ham secured a 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, marking their second consecutive win and closing the gap to just two points from Premier League safety.

The home side had the game under control by half-time, thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s opener, Jarrod Bowen’s penalty, and a spectacular long-range strike from Mateus Fernandes.

Earlier this month, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men had been seven points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, but a stoppage-time win at Tottenham last week boosted morale, which they carried into the London Stadium clash.

Summerville broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a clinical header from Bowen’s precise cross. Bowen then doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Trai Hume fouled Oliver Scarles, firing low into the bottom corner.

Fernandes added a third just before halftime with a thunderous long-range strike that goalkeeper Robin Roefs could not stop.

Sunderland, missing inspirational captain Granit Xhaka for the first time this season due to injury, struggled to create chances and had scored just five away goals in the league before the match. Brian Brobbey gave the visitors a glimmer of hope midway through the second half with a headed goal from a Nordi Mukiele cross, but West Ham held on to maintain a comfortable two-goal cushion.

The win moves the Hammers within two points of Nottingham Forest, who travel to Brentford on Sunday. Sunderland, in their first season back in the Premier League, remain in ninth place.

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