When Aaron Cresswell came in for West Ham United’s match against Manchester United, he likely will have known he will need a superb game to get ahead of Arthur Masuaku in the pecking order.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international had played all of the previous four Premier League matches, as per WhoScored, which indicates his dominance over the position.
The Englishman certainly took his opportunity to impress, which West Ham’s official Twitter page has given him credit for:
That left foot… pic.twitter.com/KZd1S62soe
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 22, 2019
The highlight of his game was, of course, the free-kick he took which flew into the top corner despite David de Gea getting a hand to it.
In addition to the strike, Cresswell won all 3 of the aerial duels he was involved in, won all 3 of his tackle attempts, as well as making 2 clearances and 1 interception.
This was a brilliant performance that will surely have got him back into the thinking of Manuel Pellegrini.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the goal and performance, including posts from elated West Ham fans, with one supporter even comparing him to former Hammer Dimitri Payet, as can be seen below:
Aaron Payet
— West Ham (@usa_westham) September 22, 2019
So pleased for him he had a good game
— johnnypri (@priestaff1) September 22, 2019
BE.E.A.UTIFUL!!
— Ryan Kelso #FBPE (@ThatRyanKelso) September 22, 2019
Cresswell was different gravy!!
— Nicholas Johnson (@nickjohns47) September 22, 2019
Loved seeing Cresswell have a good game today!
Been getting a lot of uneccessary stick from some of our fans lately.Great option to have in the team. Well played @Aaron_Cresswell
— Jed (@Jed_rg) September 22, 2019
Best way to answer you critics. Well played son! COYI!
— Krommie (@Kromm70645831) September 22, 2019
Congratulations @Aaron_Cresswell come up for some critism in the past, but answed a few critics today. Keep going forward #COYI
— Billy Bonds Claret & Blue Army (@Smackit0) September 22, 2019
Looked like Payet for a sec
— JJ (@veryupsetfan) September 22, 2019
West Ham fans, should Cresswell start against AFC Bournemouth? Join the discussion by commenting below…
