Within ten minutes of the crucial clash between West Ham and Watford on Friday night, the hosts were cruising. The Irons could hardly have made a better start to the must-win match, with goals from Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek which put David Moyes’ side in control. Even when the Hornets grabbed one back early in the second half, this side shut up shop and never gave them a chance to get back into proceedings, running out 3-1 winners.
With two games remaining the Hammers are all but safe, needing just one more point to ensure their Premier League status for next term, as the club celebrates its 125th anniversary.
After the match left back Aaron Cresswell revealed of how he believed Friday’s performance spoke of what this squad stands for.
What did he say?
Speaking to West Ham TV, Cresswell said: “First half on Friday we were really good. We were on the front foot and didn’t give Watford any sort of momentum. We were fully in control.”
“Every team whether they’re at the top of the table or the bottom have good players, but I think it was more about us as a team – it was a very pressurised game with a lot riding on it so to come out with a 3-1 victory was massive,” added the left back.
Changing mentality
Cresswell was correct in stating that West Ham started on the front foot and this was the first time since September 2014, against Liverpool, that the Irons had scored twice in the opening ten minutes of a Premier League match. When the pressure was on, this squad delivered and recorded consecutive victories for the first time since August 31.
Later on, Cresswell praised both January additions, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, by saying: “They’ve been two fantastic signings and they’ve pushed the team on”. Both have had an incredible impact, and it was on display once more against Watford as the pair combined for the second goal, with the 23-year-old whipping in a delightful cross to the back stick where the Czech international was waiting to bury his third goal of the season. It was Bowen’s fourth assist in his last five Premier League matches too.
The duo have had a profound impact since arriving midway through the season, and as Cresswell suggested, they’ve not only been fantastic themselves but improved the team as well. Their additions have helped to alter the mindset of the Hammers, and after a great late run, they must take the momentum into next term.
