Cresswell: It's a big game for us

Aaron Cresswell

Aaron Cresswell says the Hammers need to bounce back quickly from the disappointment of defeat to Newcastle United when they head to AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

The Hammers saw their three-game unbeaten Premier League run come to an end against the Magpies, but could move four points clear of the Cherries should they return to winning ways on the South Coast.

For that reason the defender is well aware of the game’s importance and is sure the Hammers have the quality to make the most of it.

He explained: “It was frustrating to lose on Saturday, not capitalising after we went 1-0 up. After the last few weeks we’ve had, we wanted to carry it on, but we’ll go again at Bournemouth.

“It’s a big game for us, and we need to go there full of confidence. The atmosphere is always good there and they’ve done well for the last few years.

“This season hasn’t gone so well for them, and they’re down with us, so we’re looking forward to the game and obviously we want all three points.

“The thing that sticks out for me about our games against Bournemouth was the free-kicks from Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet when we won 3-1 there a couple of seasons ago.

“Up top they have some really good players – Jermain Defoe has been around for years doing it – and they’re a good footballing side who pass the ball a lot, but we’ve got to stick to our game plan and I’m sure we’ll be okay.”