Key Highlights
- West Ham United’s current run of 19 games without a clean sheet is the joint worst in Europe’s top five leagues.
- Callum Wilson was the hero last Saturday, with West Ham looking to keep him at London Stadium despite his recent goals.
- Sunderland has lost just one of their last 21 home matches against promoted teams and are unbeaten at home this season.
- Granit Xhaka’s role in Enzo le Fee’s equaliser means he has made eight line-breaking passes leading to a goal, more than any other player in the division.
West Ham United’s Defensive Struggles and Callum Wilson’s Future
West Ham United’s recent form on the defensive front is nothing short of alarming. As of 23 January 2026, their current run of 19 games without a clean sheet ties them for the worst record in Europe’s top five leagues. This staggering statistic highlights the urgency with which Nuno Espirito Santo and his coaching staff must address the team’s leaky defense.
The situation has been particularly dire since September when Nuno Espirito Santo took over.
Seventeen of these 19 games without a clean sheet have occurred during his tenure, putting immense pressure on the Portuguese coach to improve the defensive unit significantly. West Ham currently occupy an unenviable 18th position in the Premier League table and will need to strengthen their backline if they are to avoid relegation.
Sunderland’s Resilience and Recent Success
While West Ham battles with their defense, Sunderland has been making waves under Regis le Bris. The Black Cats have shown remarkable resilience after conceding the lead in matches. In their last eight games across all competitions, Sunderland have won 16 points from losing positions, second only to Aston Villa’s tally of 18.
This impressive record suggests that Sunderland is not just a team that can come from behind but one that thrives on such pressure.
Moreover, Sunderland’s home form against promoted sides is particularly encouraging. Since the opening day when they triumphed 3-0 over West Ham at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland has not lost any of their last 21 games against teams who have just been promoted to the Premier League. This record speaks volumes about the team’s ability to cope with the pressures that come with facing newly promoted sides.
Granit Xhaka’s Impact on Sunderland
One of the key players driving Sunderland’s success is Granit Xhaka, a 33-year-old Swiss captain. Despite his reputation as a midfielder, Xhaka has been contributing significantly to Sunderland’s offensive efforts. His role in Enzo le Fee’s equalizer against Crystal Palace last weekend has seen him make eight line-breaking passes leading to goals, more than any other player in the league this season.
Xhaka’s versatility and effectiveness have made him an integral part of Regis le Bris’ strategy.
His ability to both defend and attack makes him a valuable asset for Sunderland. His contributions not only strengthen the team defensively but also provide a creative spark offensively, making him a key figure in Sunderland’s recent success.
Upcoming Match: West Ham vs Sunderland
With West Ham looking to maintain their momentum following their stoppage-time victory at Spurs last week and Sunderland’s impressive form, the upcoming match between the two teams on Saturday promises to be an intriguing encounter. For West Ham, staying positive after their recent win is crucial. For Sunderland, the opportunity to secure back-to-back Premier League wins against a promoted side presents them with a golden chance to continue their upward trajectory.
Both teams will need to bring their best form to the game at London Stadium. West Ham must address their defensive shortcomings if they hope to turn things around, while Sunderland will be eager to extend their unbeaten home record and potentially close in on a top-half finish.
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