Aaron Cresswell says Manuel Lanzini’s return is ‘like a new signing’ for West Ham United.
The Argentina playmaker made his comeback from a long-term knee injury with an exciting appearance off the substitutes’ bench in Friday’s 3-1 Premier League win over Fulham at London Stadium.
Cresswell was excited by the impact made by the No10 in his first appearance of the season and believes Lanzini will have a big part to play for the Hammers over the closing weeks and months of the campaign.
“He’s obviously been out for a long time and for us it’s like a new signing coming in for us now,” said the left-back. “Everyone knows his quality and it’s great that he’s back.
“I was gutted as he had a couple of chances to score, but it wasn’t to be, but I’m sure he’ll only get better between now and the end of the season.”
Everyone knows Manu's quality and it’s great that he’s back
Aaron Cresswell
Reflecting on the game as a whole, Cresswell was disappointed with the way West Ham started the game, falling behind within three minutes to Ryan Babel’s close-range finish.
Thankfully, the Hammers recovered through first-half headers from Chicharito and Issa Diop before the outstanding Michail Antonio made sure of the three points with a clinical header of his own late on.
“I think it was the worst start we’ve had to a game this season and I don’t know why because we’ve been at it in training all week,” he continued.
“We said before the game that we needed a fast start as they’re in a relegation battle and certainly the start wasn’t good, but I think we showed great character to come back from a goal behind.
“Certainly after we got the first ten or 15 minutes out of the way, I felt we were in full control of the game and the chances we had in the first half, we just couldn’t put one away, but I’m delighted with the night’s work.
“I thought Mick was excellent as he has been in recent weeks and long may that continue for us. On a personal note, for Michail it was good to see him get a goal and do one of those stupid dances he does as well!
“It was a good night all round.”