“SUNDERLAND WILL KEEP ON LOSING UNTIL THEY GET RID OF HIM” – Alan Shearer Delivers Brutal Verdict on Sunderland FLOP After West Ham Defeat
Alan Shearer has ignited a storm across English football after delivering one of the most ruthless pundit assessments of the season, openly blaming Reïnildo Mandava for Sunderland’s continued struggles following their 3–1 defeat away to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The former Newcastle and England striker did not mince his words during a post-match broadcast, claiming Sunderland’s problems would persist for as long as Mandava remains a key part of their setup. His comments immediately went viral, splitting opinion among fans, pundits, and former players.
Sunderland’s night unraveled early in London. Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring in the 14th minute, exploiting space down the flank before finishing calmly. Jarrod Bowen doubled West Ham’s lead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after a clumsy challenge in the box, before Matheus Fernandes made it 3–0 just before halftime with a composed strike in the 43rd minute.
Although Brian Brobbey pulled one back for Sunderland in the 66th minute to offer brief hope, the damage had already been done. West Ham controlled the game comfortably, while Sunderland looked disjointed, slow in transition, and defensively vulnerable throughout.
It was Mandava’s performance that drew the sharpest criticism. Shearer pointed directly to the defender’s positioning, decision-making, and lack of urgency, arguing that Sunderland’s left side was repeatedly exposed. According to Shearer, West Ham targeted that area deliberately, and Sunderland had no answer.
“This is not about one bad game,” Shearer said during the analysis. “This has become a pattern. If Sunderland keep playing like this with him there, they will keep losing. It’s that simple. At this level, you cannot afford passengers.”
The comments sent shockwaves through Sunderland’s fanbase. While some supporters defended Mandava, pointing to wider structural issues and tactical confusion, many others echoed Shearer’s frustration online, calling for immediate changes and questioning recruitment decisions that brought the defender to the club.
Critics argue that Mandava was slow to track runners, failed to close down crosses, and struggled to deal with West Ham’s pace and movement. The penalty conceded only intensified scrutiny, with pundits highlighting it as a turning point that killed Sunderland’s momentum early.
Inside the club, the pressure is now mounting. Sunderland’s recent run of results has raised serious concerns, and Shearer’s public criticism has amplified the noise around the dressing room. With confidence fragile and results slipping away, every individual performance is now under a microscope.
West Ham, meanwhile, walked away with a professional and deserved victory, while Sunderland were left with more questions than answers. For Reïnildo Mandava, the spotlight is now unforgiving. Whether fair or harsh, Alan Shearer’s words have set the tone for a difficult week ahead.
One thing is certain: this defeat was more than just three dropped points. It has sparked a debate that Sunderland can no longer ignore.
