Slaven Bilic claims Aaron Cresswell gave him the opportunity to test his 3-4-2-1 system

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West Ham’s Slaven Bilic has revealed why he switched to a 3-4-2-1 system against Crystal Palace.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told BT Sport that he switched to a 3-4-2-1 system because of Aaron Cresswell’s return from injury.

The Hammers picked up a huge 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening, with attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini swooping to score the only goal of the game in the first half.

West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini celebrates scoring

West Ham did ride their luck at times; Christian Benteke missed a penalty for Palace, left wing back Cresswell was sent off for two bookable offences in as many second half minutes, and goalkeeper Adrian was forced into a huge save late on to preserve West Ham’s one-goal lead.

The game saw under-fire boss Bilic spring a major tactical surprise, as he went away from his usual 4-5-1/4-2-3-1 system in favour of a bold 3-4-2-1 formation.

West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell in action with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur

Midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate dropped into play as part of a back three alongside Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna, with Cresswell and Michail Antonio operating as full backs.

Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang sat in the middle of midfield, whilst Lanzini and Dimitri Payet were handed attacking freedom to support lone striker Simone Zaza.

The change of system worked wonders for West Ham, as they were solid at the back but also dangerous going forward – a balance they have found hard to come by so far this season.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic

After the game, manager Bilic spoke to BT Sport about his decision to change the system, and revealed that Cresswell’s return from a lengthy injury tempted him into making the change, whilst he also ‘really likes’ the system as it suits players like Payet and Lanzini.

“It was straight after the Middlesbrough game that we started preparation for Palace and also the best system for us that suits all our best players like Payet and Lanzini,” said Bilic. “We came to this system that I really like, but it is impossible to play it without players like Cresswell or like Masuaku, it’s very difficult to play this system. Cresswell gave us the opportunity to turn to this system,” he added.

What did you think of West Ham’s 3-4-2-1 system?