Cresswell hails 'new philosophy'

Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United now approach each and every Barclays Premier League game with the intention of winning it
Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United now approach each and every game with the intention of winning it.

The Hammers have made an eye-catching and hugely entertaining start to life under manager Slaven Bilic, rising to third in the Barclays Premier League, scoring in every one of their ten matches and scoring 22 goals in total.

Bilic’s side have won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and followed that up by beating champions Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday – a result that Cresswell told West Ham TV they thoroughly deserved.

“We definitely have a different philosophy this season,” said the No3. “The signings that the gaffer made in the summer have helped: Lanzini, Dimitri Payet looks a fantastic player. We just have to continue the form we are in at the minute, especially away from home.

“We are going into each game full of confidence – we don't fear anyone, whether away or at home against the top sides as we have shown this season. We have beaten four of the top teams in the Premier League so long may it continue.”
Of West Ham’s six victories, the left-back said Saturday’s success against Jose Mourinho’s Blues was the Hammers’ best so far – eclipsing their wins at the Emirates, Anfield and the Etihad.

“I think it was our best win, for obvious reasons,” he continued. “We are sitting third in the league after ten games.

“Don't get me wrong, it is still early doors but I think we were fantastic, especially first half. They got the goal back early on in the second half and then after they scored, I think we controlled the game after that and obviously got the winning goal.”

That winning goal came courtesy of Andy Carroll’s towering header on the end of a teasing cross from Cresswell – his third assist of the season.

Speaking to the media after Saturday’s game, Carroll told how he has been ribbing Cresswell for not setting him up sooner, so the defender was pleased to have shut the striker up with his inch-perfect delivery.

“I think he might keep quiet for a couple of games hopefully!” Cresswell smiled. “He is fantastic in the air, is Andy. He is a fantastic player. He has been unlucky with his injuries and all his hard work over the last few months has paid off for him. We are all delighted for him.

“Of course, especially with Andy being out for such a long time and getting the winning goal against Chelsea at home, it is always nice personally to get an assist.”

Earlier, Cresswell had also played his part in a blistering start to the game made by Bilic’s Hammers, who tore into the struggling Blues and went ahead through Mauro Zarate’s rasping finish.

The defender explained that the decision to harry and hustle Chelsea from the kick-off was one which planned meticulously by Bilic and his coaching staff.

“Especially away from home we have always been pressing them and starting well away from home which we haven't done at home apart from Newcastle, when we were excellent,” he explained.

“In the first half, I thought we were excellent. We didn't give them any time on the ball, we were always in their faces, we pressed and when we got the ball, we attacked in numbers.”

The Hammers will seek to extend their unbeaten run to eight league matches – and maintain their unbeaten away record – when they travel to newly-promoted Watford on Saturday.

Kick-off at Vicarage Road is at 3pm, with live audio and text commentary available on whufc.com and coverage across our social media channels.