Tottenham vs West Ham: Payet injury may force us to ‘change our style’, admits Aaron Cresswell

Changes on the cards: Cresswell admits Hammers may have to adjust their approach

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Richard Parry18 November 2015

Aaron Cresswell says the West Ham players are ‘buzzing’ ahead of the weekend derby against Tottenham – but admits they may need to adjust their style to cope with the loss of Dimitri Payet.

The former Ipswich man insists the Hammers were ‘unlucky’ in both matches against Spurs last season, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side winning one and drawing the other.

“When the fixtures come out the Tottenham games are one of the ones we look for first,” he told the club’s official website. “Last season I think we were better side and were unlucky not to win. It’s just one of things where we were the better side over 90 minutes but couldn’t quite see it out.

“Both games last season we were unlucky, even the penalty in the last minute, Adrian almost saved it, but that went against us too.

“We know it’ll be a tough game, every game is but our away form has been terrific so far, apart from the Watford game. Across 38 games every team is going to struggle in one or two. I thought we bounced back well against Everton and were unlucky not to get the three points.

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“We know that if we play to our best we have a very good chance, and that breeds a lot of confidence.”

The Hammers will, however, be without their star-signing for this weekend’s trip to White Hart Lane, with Payet ruled out until the New Year with an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Everton’s James McCarthy, and Cresswell concedes they may have to change their style of play to cope without him.

“We haven’t had a game since Dimi’s injury, so we haven’t had to change formation or style yet,” he continued. “I’m sure that’s what the manager has been thinking about a lot.

“Training wise, we’re still buzzing about, we’ve done quite well this season so we’re confident and we’re all looking forward to the Tottenham game.

“Obviously it’s not nice to see players get injured, their teammates and fellow professionals. For us, we have to get on with our jobs and be s professional as possible.”