West Ham defeat Sunderland to strengthen survival hopes

West Ham beat Sunderland 3-1 on Saturday, claiming their second straight win and edging closer to Premier League safety by just two points.

The hosts wrapped up the contest before the interval, courtesy of Crysencio Summervilles initial strike, Jarrod Bowens spot-kick, plus a thunderous effort from distance by Mateus Fernandes.

Nuno Espirito Santos squad appeared doomed earlier this month, mired seven points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Yet fortunes shifted following a last-gasp triumph over Tottenham the previous week, injecting belief as they hosted at the London Stadium, unleashing a dominant opening period on the subdued away team.

Summerville, the Dutch attacker, opened the scoring in the 14th minute via a fine header off Bowens inviting delivery.

Bowen, Englands representative, extended the advantage from 12 yards, drilling low after Trai Hume felled Oliver Scarles.

West Ham surged to 3-0 near the break as Fernandes collected the ball and rifled an unerring drive beyond keeper Robin Roefs from afar.

Sunderland, deprived of talismanic skipper Granit Xhaka due to injury in his debut Premier League absence this term, mounted scant pressure upfront in the initial half.

Any reversal seemed improbable, considering the travellers had netted merely five times on their league travels throughout the campaign.

Brian Brobbey sparked slim optimism by nodding in Nordi Mukieles centre during the second halves midpoint, though West Ham preserved their buffer amid several anxious spells.

The Irons now sit two points shy of Sean Dyches Forest outfit, who visit Brentford come Sunday and may glance back warily.

Sunderland, marking their Premier League return, occupy ninth position.