Premier League

Declan Rice shares what he told Aaron Cresswell just minutes before he scored free-kick for West Ham

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West Ham ace Declan Rice spoke to reporters after his side’s magnificent 2-0 win over Manchester United yesterday, and shared what he told Aaron Cresswell after he narrowly missed his first attempt at a free-kick, just minutes before he found the top corner from a similar position.

The Hammers now sit in fifth spot in the Premier League table, level on points with third placed Leicester City.

Yesterday’s win over United was a vital one for Manuel Pellegrini’s men. And Cresswell played a huge role in his side’s success.

The 29-year-old defended brilliantly all game, and his 30-yard screamer was the icing on the cake.

West Ham United v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Match winning display

Cresswell was dropped after his poor display on the opening day of the Premier League campaign. He showed he is up for the fight after regaining his place due to Arthur Masuaku’s suspension, however.

And his free-kick yesterday really was right out of the top drawer.

The Liverpool-born left-back curled an earlier attempt over the bar, and Rice shared with reporters what he told his West Ham teammate just minutes before he rifled a left foot strike into the top corner, as quoted by the club’s official website:

West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League
Aaron Cresswell celebrates with teammates (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

“I said to him after he curled the first one over the crossbar: ‘Calm down and have another go!’ and he’s put it in the top bins. He’s got one of the best left feet I’ve ever seen. The way he crosses it is so precise and so calm, and to put that in the top bins, the stadium erupted and I couldn’t be happier for Cress.”

Cresswell will be absolutely buzzing after yesterday’s heroics. And that might just be the confidence boost that he needs to reinvigorate his West Ham career.