West Ham United fail to advance to the FA Cup last 32, Cresswell urges focus on next game

In the third round of the 2024/25 FA Cup, West Ham United took the lead with Paqueta's goal, but lost the ball in the second half and eventually lost 1-2 to Aston Villa, failing to advance to the round of 32. West Ham defender Cresswell said that the team's overall performance in this game was pretty good, and also called for attention to be focused on the next game.

Somerville made a cross pass in the 9th minute of the game, Paqueta came forward and shot directly, helping West Ham take the lead 1-0. In the 71st minute of the second half, Aston Villa attacked with a corner kick. Ian Maatsen got the ball and shot, but it was blocked by West Ham goalkeeper Fabianski. Then Amadou Onana made a supplementary shot and scored, helping Aston Villa tie the score 1-1.

In the 76th minute, Watkins assisted Morgan Rogers to score, helping Aston Villa to overtake 2 to 1. In the end, West Ham was eliminated by Aston Villa 1 to 2 away from home.

West Ham defender Cresswell said in an interview, "This game may have come too early, and the new coach did not have much time to prepare, but I think we performed well as a team. I think the players showed some of the tactics the coach wanted and practiced them well in the game. Although this was a difficult game, I think we played well."

"I'm also happy for Oliver Scales, he got another chance to play and he did a great job. It's a shame we didn't make it to the next round but now we have to focus on the next game."

After Lopetegui was fired, West Ham appointed Graham Potter as the new head coach, and this was also the first time Graham Potter led West Ham in a game.

Cresswell said: "It's never easy when a manager leaves and a new manager comes in. But the players' poor performance is also one of the reasons. We have to look forward and the next game is extremely important for us."

In addition, West Ham will host the powerful Fulham at home in the next round of the Premier League. West Ham is currently ranked 14th in the standings with 23 points and is in a passive position in the fight for European qualifications.

Cresswell also said: "Before the game against Aston Villa, we only have a few days to understand the coach's tactics and how he works. However, in the past few years, I have played against Brighton and Chelsea led by him many times, and they played very exciting football.

"I believe that with time, we will be able to reach the level we should be. As I said, we need to focus on the next game."