West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell an unsung hero vs Everton | OneFootball

West Ham United got back to winning ways in the Premier League thanks to an Angelo Ogbonna header on his 199th appearance for the club.

David Moyes’ return to his former stomping ground, Goodison Park, was a positive one as the Irons ended Everton’s 100% home record with a 1-0 victory.

There were few clear-cut chances for either side but you’d feel the visitors would be the more gutted of the two sides to have not come away with all three points as they dominated large parts of the match – that much was echoed by their 62% possession.

The Italian colossus was one of many standout performers in Merseyside, with another being Declan Rice, who undoubtedly ran the show for the Hammers in midfield.

Who was your Hammers MOTM vs Everton?

Sky Sports opted for Ogbonna as the ‘Man of the Match’ award, whilst many supporters on social media seemed to side with the England international.

However, there is another West Ham star who deserves his fair share of plaudits – Aaron Cresswell.

The 31-year-old left-back is a crucial cog in Moyes’ system and that influence was seen once again this afternoon. He was actually rated as their second-best player (7.4), as per SofaScore ratings, even ahead of Rice (6.9).

Cresswell’s importance to the Irons was shown by the fact he recorded a match-high 121 touches, which was a whopping 27 more than the English powerhouse in the engine room and that speaks volumes.

A constant threat down the left flank, the veteran defender attempted nine crosses but perhaps more imperatively, he did his defensive duties immensely.

The £50k-per-week West Ham star registered a squad-high five clearances, put in one tackle and won 89% of his nine duels, both on the ground and in the air.

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Can you name all 10 ex-Hammers? First up... He assisted the first goal at the London Stadium but made only 8 appearances for the Irons, who is he?

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He dealt with an in-form Andros Townsend with aplomb and that’s a large reason as to why they managed to keep a much-needed clean sheet – just their second in the league this term.

The Evening Standard’s Simon Collings described Cresswell as a player “who looked to cause problems when he was able to get forward” and that he was “solid in defence.”