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Three things we learned from West Ham’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace

Aaron Cresswell could make the difference

The much anticipated return of first choice left-back Aaron Cresswell allowed Slaven Bilic to change the system of his side to play with three players in central defence with Cresswell and Michail Antonio bombing down the wings giving a different attacking aspect to their play which has been missing in recent weeks.

Energetic and threatening going forward, as his superb delivery into the box to Manuel Lanzini showed as he put the side 1-0 up, Cresswell adapted well to a more attacking role than he has played in previously. A seemingly natural fit as a wing-back, Cresswell lacked any kind of ring rustiness despite a long spell on the sidelines.

He also defended well, preventing Wilfired Zaha and Andros Townsend from delivering their trademark deliveries into the box, and worked tirelessly to keep track of them. Whilst his controversial red card may have meant that his man of the match display was spoiled, it may actually serve to give him a rest and prevent another injury.