ELIEZER DO LOTS

Mayenda proves just why he's the main man in attack for Black Cats

- BY IAN MURTAGH

THERE is a reason Sunderland did not splash out on a new striker in their summer spending spree - and his name is Eliezer Mayenda.

Regis Le Bris always knew that the Black Cats would have to invest heavily following promotion to give themselves a chance of survival.

He handed debuts to seven of his new signings against West Ham - but Mayenda was always guaranteed his place leading the line.

Le Bris knows that in the Spaniard, 20, he possesses a forward who can scale the heights. And Mayenda, who two seasons ago struggled for regular football during a frustrating loan stint at Hibs, vindicated his manager's faith with the 61st-minute goal which set up Sunderland's biggest opening-day win since 1974.

Hammers boss Graham Potter bemoaned his side's defending, claiming "it wasn't Niall Quinn" they were up against.

But Mayenda's towering leap and mighty header from 15 yards out were right out of the Quinn manual.