Craig Dawson confident next West Brom win will spark run of form

The reliable defender returned from injury in the promising goalless draw with Everton on Boxing Day, and helped the Baggies keep their third clean sheet in six games under Alan Pardew.

Albion may be on a 19-game winless streak in all competitions but they've improved under the new boss and Dawson reckons the turning point is nearing.

"If we play like we did (against Everton), the points will come and the win will come," he said. "We've just got to keep being positive. Everton are a great side and we did very well.

"It's just that one chance that needs to drop for us and hopefully we can get that. It'll come.

"We were solid defensively and everybody worked hard. The chances were there, there were crosses great deliveries and we just need that one to go in.

"Hopefully it'll come soon, but there was a great atmosphere and great positivity. Hopefully that can stay with us.

"We all know what we need to do. Everybody is working hard on the training pitch and the gaffer is very positive. Everybody's in it together.

"We've got great experience in the squad – the likes of Gareth Barry, Jonny Evans, Gaz [McAuley], [Chris] Brunty – they're all experienced players and we know what we need to do.

"Everybody is doing everything they can to get that win."

Dawson had been an ever-present for the best part of three years until he picked up a knee injury in October that forced him out for 10 games.

But he impressed on Boxing Day down the right flank alongside fellow returnee Matt Phillips.

"It's been a difficult period being out," said Dawson. "It's good to be back and hopefully I can help the lads out.

"It was my first big period without football, and it's been difficult. But the doc and the physios have worked hard on me and I'm just glad to be back.

"You obviously want to be helping the team out and you can't help. I'm back fit now."

The games come thick and fast over the festive period, and Albion host Arsenal next on New Year's Eve.

"There's probably not much time to dwell on things but Tuesday was a very positive performance and we just needed that one goal," said Dawson. "We can take that into the next game.

"There was a great atmosphere and we've got to keep that atmosphere and keep building on it."

"We've worked hard and got that clean sheet. The goal will come, and we'll put them both together and we'll be fine."

Dawson added an aerial threat to Albion's set-plays on Boxing Day and might have scored a header when he met a cross at pace.

He scored twice against Arsenal at The Hawthorns last season in a 3-1 victory and he's hoping for more of the same on Sunday.

"Fingers crossed," he said. "It's going to be a tough game, but if we play like we did against Everton and have the fans behind us then we'll be fine."