Aaron Cresswell is looking to build on his 50 Premier League appearances
Having marked his 50th Premier League appearance for the Hammers last time out against Everton, Aaron Cresswell is hoping to build on his outstanding half-century against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
Since joining West Ham United in June 2014, the left-back has gone from strength to strength; not only taking the step up to the Premier League in his stride but also being crowned Hammer of the Year at the end of his debut season.
The 25-year-old’s achievement is even more impressive considering that he has reached 50 league games in the quickest possible time, not to mention the fact he has played every minute of those games.
Reflecting on his milestone, Cresswell said: “It’s a nice figure to reach, I didn’t actually realise at the time.
“A friend of mine texted me after the game, touch wood I haven’t had any injuries, and hopefully that continues.
“I had a similar sort of thing at Ipswich, I played there for three seasons and I think I only missed six games in that time. Thankfully through the majority of my career I’ve stayed injury free.”
While the Hammers have thoroughly enjoyed the left-back’s fitness record as well as his sparkling form, they have not been so lucky with Cresswell’s teammates Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia.
With both attack minded players set for a spell on the side-lines, Cresswell conceded their absences would be keenly felt: “These things happen in football, it wasn’t the best of tackles (on Payet). At the same time, Enner has had no luck and he’s out injured again. When these things happen you just have to keep your head down, work even harder and come back strong.
“We haven’t had a game since Dimi’s injury, so we haven’t had to change formation or style yet. I’m sure that’s what the manager has been thinking about a lot. Training wise, we’re still buzzing about, we’ve done quite well this season so we’re confident and we’re all looking forward to the Tottenham game.
“Obviously it’s not nice to see players get injured, their teammates and fellow professionals. For us, we have to get on with our jobs and be s professional as possible.”
Having enjoyed a few days rest and recuperation over the international break, the defender is now raring to go with rivals Tottenham Hotspur in his sights.
Cresswell, a confident character by nature, firmly reiterated his belief that the Hammers’ have every chance of coming away from White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon with all three points.
“When the fixtures come out the Tottenham games are one of the ones we look for first. Last season I think we were better side and were unlucky not to win. It’s just one of things where we were the better side over 90 minutes but couldn’t quite see it out.
“Both games last season we were unlucky, even the penalty in the last minute, Adrian almost saved it, but that went against us too.
“We know it’ll be a tough game, every game is but our away form has been terrific so far, apart from the Watford game. Across 38 games every team is going to struggle in one or two. I thought we bounced back well against Everton and were unlucky not to get the three points.
“We know that if we play to our best we have a very good chance, and that breeds a lot of confidence.”
Since joining West Ham United in June 2014, the left-back has gone from strength to strength; not only taking the step up to the Premier League in his stride but also being crowned Hammer of the Year at the end of his debut season.
The 25-year-old’s achievement is even more impressive considering that he has reached 50 league games in the quickest possible time, not to mention the fact he has played every minute of those games.
Reflecting on his milestone, Cresswell said: “It’s a nice figure to reach, I didn’t actually realise at the time.
“A friend of mine texted me after the game, touch wood I haven’t had any injuries, and hopefully that continues.
“I had a similar sort of thing at Ipswich, I played there for three seasons and I think I only missed six games in that time. Thankfully through the majority of my career I’ve stayed injury free.”
While the Hammers have thoroughly enjoyed the left-back’s fitness record as well as his sparkling form, they have not been so lucky with Cresswell’s teammates Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia.
With both attack minded players set for a spell on the side-lines, Cresswell conceded their absences would be keenly felt: “These things happen in football, it wasn’t the best of tackles (on Payet). At the same time, Enner has had no luck and he’s out injured again. When these things happen you just have to keep your head down, work even harder and come back strong.
“We haven’t had a game since Dimi’s injury, so we haven’t had to change formation or style yet. I’m sure that’s what the manager has been thinking about a lot. Training wise, we’re still buzzing about, we’ve done quite well this season so we’re confident and we’re all looking forward to the Tottenham game.
“Obviously it’s not nice to see players get injured, their teammates and fellow professionals. For us, we have to get on with our jobs and be s professional as possible.”
Having enjoyed a few days rest and recuperation over the international break, the defender is now raring to go with rivals Tottenham Hotspur in his sights.
Cresswell, a confident character by nature, firmly reiterated his belief that the Hammers’ have every chance of coming away from White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon with all three points.
“When the fixtures come out the Tottenham games are one of the ones we look for first. Last season I think we were better side and were unlucky not to win. It’s just one of things where we were the better side over 90 minutes but couldn’t quite see it out.
“Both games last season we were unlucky, even the penalty in the last minute, Adrian almost saved it, but that went against us too.
“We know it’ll be a tough game, every game is but our away form has been terrific so far, apart from the Watford game. Across 38 games every team is going to struggle in one or two. I thought we bounced back well against Everton and were unlucky not to get the three points.
“We know that if we play to our best we have a very good chance, and that breeds a lot of confidence.”