Back to form Cressie wears a ‘magic hat’

CandH blogger Allen Cummins pays tribute to a ‘reborn’ Iron 

“Aaron Cresswell’s magic,

He wears a magic hat,

He used to play for Ipswich,

He didn’t fancy that…”

That’s a song I haven’t heard in a long while  but it rang around the Vitality Stadium loud and clear on Saturday afternoon, following Cress’ second half strike which helped us gain a very valuable point!

However, it wasn’t just the goal that earned our re-invigorated left back the adulation of the travelling fans. Aaron put in another solid and composed performance in coping with what was a lively and threatening Bournemouth team.

Coming  on the heels of his equally impressive showing, and goal, against Manchester United – it’s another clear indication that Cresswell is getting back to the kind of form that made him such a firm favourite with the West Ham faithful.

Class is permanent, so they say, and Cresswell is once again proving he is a class act. Arthur Masuaku may have his fans because of his attacking instincts, but Cresswell is, in my opinion, by far he more superior defender.

He’s also a highly respected professional within the club, popular with all his team mates, and an experienced voice, along with Mark Noble, within the framework of the team. With a young an emerging team around him – Aaron’s presence is likely to become a key factor in their development.

Cresswell is one positive legacy of the Allardyce years. Bought from Ipswich for £3.75m in July 2014, he was voted Hammer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in his first season.

A virtual ever-present in his first two years, an injury in a pre-season friendly in 2016 signalled the start of what became a difficult period for the player. In recent seasons Aaron has faced stiff competition for the left back spot from Masuaku.

David Moyes chose to use them in tandem for a while, but that’s not Manuel Pellegrini’s style. During his tenure he has opted for a ‘man in form’ policy, and it’s fair to say Arthur has more often than not been in the driving seat – until now!

Cresswell has seized the chance to show once again what he has to offer Pellegrini and the team. Just short of his 30^th birthday, Aaron still has several good years ahead of him. Pellegrini chose not to enter the transfer market for a left-back during the summer, to some people’s displeasure.

Cresswell’s recaptured form is an indication that perhaps the manager was right to concentrate his spending elsewhere.