The common opinion among players, staff, fans and independent pundits alike was that the defender’s absence played a big part in the Hammers’ indifferent start to the campaign.
On Saturday, that view was reaffirmed as the No3 made a stunning return to action in a morale-boosting 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.
Cresswell’s return in a left wing-back role in a new 3-1-4-2 formation that paid dividends at a rain-soaked Selhurst Park.
The 2015 Hammer of the Year marked his first Premier League appearance of the season with a typically energetic, tenacious and technically-proficient performance.
Any concerns about his match-fitness quickly disappeared as he raced forward within the opening four minutes before blasting a rising shot into Steve Mandanda’s side netting.
Cresswell was always available on the left touchline, combining regularly with Dimitri Payet. The pair were involved in West Ham’s goal, swapping passes before the returning player’s superb low cross was expertly converted by Manuel Lanzini.
So, how did his display stack up statistically?
Defensively, Cresswell made two clearances – Winston Reid and Cheikhou Kouyate each made 15 – and two interceptions – two fewer than Angelo Ogbonna.
In possession, his 36 touches were just the tenth-highest among West Ham players, with Mark Noble (64) and Pedro Obiang (60) leading the way in that department, while his pass-completion of 60% (successful passes shown in green) was eleventh-highest.
However, Cresswell did make two ‘key’ passes (shown in yellow) including, of course, his cross for Lanzini’s match-winning goal (shown in blue) – the one accurate cross of the three he delivered.
Sadly, the returning player was also sent-off for two bookable offences in the space of 60 second-half seconds. The first came when he went down in the Palace penalty area under a challenge from Yohan Cabaye and was booked for simulation, although replays showed he was touched. The second yellow card was shown after he was penalised for a foul on Wilfried Zaha.
Statistically, then, Cresswell’s performance was good but not outstanding, but his contribution to a vital victory was there for all to see. His return played a massive part in West Ham’s win.