Cresswell and Haidara form sums up West Ham and Newcastle’s seasons so far

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A look at the West Ham and Newcastle full-backs going into Monday’s league game.

Heading into Monday night’s Premier League clash between West Ham United and Newcastle United, neither side is yet to fulfill their potential.

But, despite two home defeats, it’s the east London side that have definitely enjoyed a better start to their league campaign.

That has partly been down to Newcastle’s difficult opponents so far this season but the Tyneside outfit have certainly been the less attacking of the two sides. And a comparison of their left-backs shows just that.

Indeed, as Opta stats show, West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell has been far more successful in an attacking sense compared to the Magpies’ Massadio Haidara. Even when losing, the Irons have been all out attack, while counterattacking frequently at Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has created seven chances compared to Haidara’s one, completed more final-third passes and entered the final third twice as often (although he hasn’t won as many dribbles).

Defensively, however, it’s the Newcastle man that comes out on top. And that will also have plenty to do with the Magpies having to soak up more pressure against the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

Haidara has won more tackles and interceptions than the West Ham man, made more clearances and committed less errors in front of his own goal (although he has won less headers).

On Monday night, then, we may well see similar statistics. Even if the Hammers produce another poor Upton Park performance, Cresswell will likely be bombing forward throughout.