"We're full of confidence and in a positive mindset"#SOUWHU | 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙙: Aaron Cresswell pic.twitter.com/tIz10VkGYk
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 15, 2022
As West Ham United head to Southampton, there is undoubtedly a positive atmosphere in the camp.
After all, David Moyes’ men have recorded back-to-back Premier League triumphs at London Stadium over Wolverhampton Wanderers and then Fulham in their last two league outings, and head to St Mary's Stadium searching for a third straight league win.
And with two wins over Anderlecht in UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group B on either side of those victories, a win over Southampton would be a fifth straight triumph in all competitions.
Skipper for the night as the Hammers’ defeated the Belgians 2-1 at London Stadium to secure a place in the UECL knockout stages, Cresswell wants the Irons to take that good home form to the road. He also praised the impact of the new signings who he believes have allowed the Hammers to compete on multiple fronts.
“At the minute, everything is positive,” Cresswell enthused. “The start [in the league] was not what we wanted, being at the bottom end of the table after six or seven games, but I felt that some of the performances should have brought better results, but the Premier league is tough and it doesn’t always work out that way.
“But four wins out of four helps with the lads’ confidence. Now, we want to continue that form against Southampton and look to get another win.
“The squad size this season is much greater than last year. That always helps when you are playing Thursday-Sunday. Some of the new boys have been fantastic already and I think they will only get better as everyone settles in."
There is no doubt Cresswell has been instrumental in the Hammers return to form. Let's not forget, it was his crucial block to deny Fulham's Tom Cairney an equaliser at London Stadium that secured the three points, before Michail Antonio added a Hammers' third in stoppage-time.
Now, after three straight wins at London Stadium, the challenge for David Moyes' men is to build on that form on the road, starting with a trip to St Mary's.
And the No3 is convinced the Hammers can continue their unbeaten run since the international break, although he admitted that the support of the travelling Claret and Blue Army will be crucial on the south coast, and at Liverpool next Wednesday evening.
“Southampton have got some really good individual players,” the defender observed. “Like any team in the Premier League, everyone has these types of players.
“The fans’ support is always really important. Certainly, at away games, they seem to get louder. We have two big away games over the next four-five days and we are certainly going to need their support.
“Any away game is tough. But we are full of confidence. We are in a positive mindset, and will look to have a good game on Sunday and take maximum points.”
