By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings
Since David Moyes made it known strengthening his defence was his number one priority, Aaron Cresswell looked increasingly under threat although the speculation came mainly from some fans rather than anything the manager has said.
In fact, back in August when the transfer window opened, in an interview with the Evening Standard, Cresswell was held up as an example by the manager when he said: “We need to make sure we have a group who know West Ham. We’ve got the likes of Mark Noble, Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell who understand (the club) – players who have been here a long time.” Then interestingly he added: “We are also looking to see what positions will change – which could alter our direction.”
Significantly, it is a change in direction, and a change in formation, that appears to have given Aaron a fresh opportunity and a new lease of life.
Apart from the final game against Aston Villa, Cress was ever-present in the other eight games played at the end of last season, when the team suddenly found their form to secure the club’s Premier League status.
But the defence didn’t really get the credit it deserved because it was our attacking players who stole all the limelight. When we started the new campaign so poorly against Newcastle United, Cresswell in particular was once again in the firing line – unfairly I felt because he was no worse in that game than anyone else.
But Moyes, who transformed the roles of Marko Arnautovic and Arthur Masuaku in his first spell at the club, which included moving Cresswell into a back three, has revived that role for our little Liverpudlian, with immediate success. Two defensive clean sheets against two free-scoring teams speaks for itself.
No-one would argue that Cresswell hasn’t lost some of the pace and adventure he showed when he first arrived – becoming an instant hit with West Ham fans who voted him their Hammer of the Year in 2015.
His partnership with Dimitri Payet the following year was a joy to behold. But he still offers unquestionable commitment, solid reliability and a wealth of old-fashioned know-how so vital to the make-up of any team.
He’s also a hugely popular and respected figure in the dressing room amongst his team mates. When Pablo Zabaleta joined us in 2017 at the age of 32 we all knew his legs weren’t what they were, but his character and dedication was first class. He gave 100% every week, and we loved him for it. Why should we view Cresswell differently?
They say you are only as good as your last game. Aaron Cresswell’s part in our first two goals against Leicester City speaks volumes. David Moyes has given him the opportunity to prove despite his critics, he still has an important role to play for West Ham in the season ahead.
It’s in all our interests to abandon any witch hunt there may be and get behind Aaron Cresswell again for the benefit of the team!
Yet it’s Cresswell position in the back three that we’re looking to sign a new player. Someone who is good in the air.
Yes he is a useful player as a LCB. But he cannot play LB anymore. Like Noble, his legs have completely gone.
Which is the point of the blog. But give credit where credit is due. Don’t jump on a band waggon for the sake of it.
I am reassured that we have David Moyes and his highly qualified team to make all the key decisions. As fans we have plenty of opinions but it is not backed with football qualifications and extensive experience at the top level. So have faith in David!
That message extends to our owners who mostly behave like fans they are.
You may be reassured that we have David Moyes and his highly qualified team to make all the key decisions, bit the fact is that David Sullivan has the final say and that appears to be that he does not trust him and the proof is that two relegation survivals has resulted in a thanks but no thanks and the grand total of approx £8m net spend on players
Like you said Graham……Those are the facts.
Can’t stand cresswell but to be fair his played well last few games but still need a left back or centre back that can play left back and cresswell can be a back up like Johnson on the right side with Fred sold in Jan or kept also as back up to the excellent coufal.
Too many you tubers giving thier opinions everyday and critizing players , manager , team selection & tactics ect ect as if they know more about football than professional managers & coaches . Creswell for me has always been a good player , end of .
G…z. And co should quiten down a bit and stop trying to be more than they are ; ie , fans .
But of course these you tubers will deny they ever criticized anybody . Maybe they will leave Moyes in peace !!! But don’t hold your breath .
Fresh air springs to mind Kevin. Understand completely what you are saying and maybe more voices of these opinions should be finding their way to C&H.
Building is underway. Rome wasn’t built in a day. These boys, David, Alan, Kevin, Stuart and the other one are and will have an effect. They know what to do, how to do it, where to go and how to get there. Keep the faith.
Avram has gone!! Sam started us off and then we wobbled. We’re now back on track.
COYI
Got to agree with you, Kevin…….. I believe that they do indeed have a responsibility to be truthful, honest and fair. The backhanded comments and unfair criticisms even when we have done well lead to a corrosivness that surrounds our manager.
The board rightly deserve their stick, but to bang on about Moyes “not being the manager that I wanted…..”
Who did they have in mind on the budget available budget then?……. Exactly.
I would back Moyes judgement over any of these Vloggers forever and a day.
Yeah at left back he wasn’t so good at getting back and defending because he ran on the overlap to put a cross or two in. At that point you’d expect the left midfielder to go sit back and cover him. That rarely happened. Then the first person you look at is the left back…because on paper, thats where he should be. I’d say (knowing how good he is at crossing and nobody can deny that) every manager we’ve had has told him to get up the pitch. I bloody would! Also, everyone knows now to double up on wingers because they can go either way, to the by line, cross, run past you…or they cut in. Double up and they have to pass back. I’ve seen the lad left high and dry by his left midfielder time and time again. Granted he’s not the best but if they work as a team, he’s as good as any. Another moyes master stroke. I’m sure he’ll make mistakes at times but they all will at times. Very rare you see a game as perfect as the previous two. Get behind him and the team. That’s what we’re here for.