West Ham tactics: Aaron Cresswell is enjoying his new defensive role under David Moyes

1/16
Ken Dyer14 December 2017

David Moyes’ decision to stick with goalkeeper Adrian rather than recall Joe Hart has been a big talking point during West Ham’s recent revival.

Yet Aaron Cresswell’s conversion from full-back to the left of a back three has been as significant in helping West Ham take four points from their last two matches - a 1-0 win over Chelsea and last night’s goalless draw.

“I’ve never played there before in my career but when the gaffer asked me to play there at Manchester City [West Ham lost 2-1], we were low on numbers,” said Cresswell, who still has hopes of making England’s squad for the World Cup.

“I’ll always work for the team and our aim has to be to get as many points on the board and if that means playing people out of position, then that’s what will happen.

Photo: James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images
James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

“The way we’re set up means Arthur Masuaku plays further up the pitch and he likes to get forward. Playing left side of the centre three means you’re not in an advanced role but there are still times when you can push in.”

Moyes speaks after draw with Arsenal

West Ham now face four games in 11 days, starting with a match at Stoke at Saturday, but Cresswell is not worried about their busy schedule.

“We’re into a hectic time now but we’re relishing that,” said Cresswell, who joined West Ham from Ipswich for a fee of £3.75million in the summer of 2014.

“We have to be full of confidence now after doing well against three of the best teams in the Premier League and picking up four points from the last two.”

After playing Stoke, the Hammers face a League Cup quarter-final tie against Arsenal before games against fellow strugglers Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Cresswell said: “It’s been very demanding for us at the back but the front boys, Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic, have put in even more effort in terms of mileage and sprints.

“We’re sitting deep at the back but credit to the strikers for working their socks off.

“The way it’s been going defensively over the last few months hasn’t been good enough but anyone who watches our training will tell you it’s certainly been organised on set-pieces, defending as a unit.”