West Ham Resurgent Star Praises Clubs Collective Mentality

Aaron Cresswell has praised West Ham’s start to the season and suggested that a big part of the success is done to a newfound mentality.

Before the current season started, many West Ham fans believed that Aaron Cresswell’s time at the club was coming to an end. The defender struggled for form over the last two season but has been resurgent this season.

Cresswell has massively contributed towards the club’s positive season. The Hammers have more points than at the same stage during the memorable 2015/16 season. The points have been amassed from some spirited displays. Moyes’ side have found a way of digging out results when previously they may have fallen flat.

One part of this new determination is the new mentality that has been embedded into the squad. Cresswell has recognised how important it is in an interview with the club.

"“That’s what we’ve had since the start of the season,” he explained. “That’s what makes a good team: team spirit, working hard, and as long as the lads give everything they’ve got, I’m sure we’ll do well this season. Cresswell on the clubs mentality"

Another reason for the club’s success this season is the general fitness of the players. Of course, there have been injuries to key players like Michail Antonio and Arthur Masuaku. For the rest of the squad, the fitness levels have been much improved. This improved fitness means that the Hammers have been able to keep going till the final whistle and pick up late points.

"“The fitness levels are credit to [fitness coaches] Dave Billows and Josh Ewens, who work really hard with us. Certainly over the last few weeks, recovery has been massive. “To play three games over six days – and not only that, but also travelling down south and up north – is a credit to the lads and we’ve had some fantastic results looking back.Cresswell on players fitness"

The Hammers has one of the business Christmas fixture lists. The team played three games in six days against Brighton, Southampton and Everton. Cresswell and his teammates, however, will have been happy to of capped of the fixtures with a win against Everton after two draws. The main achievement is going through it unbeaten.

West Ham are battling for European spots this season and are currently sat in the top half of the table. Tied with seventh on points, the Hammers are competitive but have not been part of the conversation. Teams like Aston Villa, Southampton and Everton have been widely praised in the media. Cresswell, however, thinks that is a good thing for the Hammers.

"“We’re nearly halfway through the season. If we can go under the radar and keep going about our work the way we have, it’ll be good for us, but we know throughout the course of the season we’re not going to win every game against every single team, week in, week out.Cresswell happy to go under the radar"

The defender has played seventeen games in the Premier League this season, assisting four goals and contributing to six clean sheets. Cresswell may not have the pace that he used to have, but has adapted his game well and is succeeding again just like the team.

West Ham players are currently enjoying a bit of a rest from football as their next game is on Monday against Stockport in the FA Cup. The club’s next fixture in the Premier League is a home fixture against Burnley on the 16th.