Craig Dawson is targeting more goals after netting his first Premier League strike of the season in West Ham United’s 2-2 draw at Leicester City.
The centre-back salvaged a point for the Hammers at King Power Stadium, diverting Jarrod Bowen’s corner past Kasper Schmeichel with his shoulder in the first minute of added-time.
Dawson had been sent up front moments earlier by manager David Moyes in the search for a late leveller and was delighted to find the back of the net in the Premier League for the first time since scoring in a home win over Leeds United in March 2021.
It was great to get the goal and it was great work from the lads and hopefully we can improve on that performance
Craig Dawson
“It was that period in the game when we needed a little bit more up front and a big more height and it seemed to work well,” he told West Ham TV. “I’d rather be 3-0 up but if it’s needed then I’ll definitely go up there.
“It was obviously a great ball in from Jarrod and it’s something we’ve been working on in the week and luckily it counted. It wasn’t the cleanest was it? But it was great to get the goal and it was great work from the lads and hopefully we can improve on that performance.
“I haven’t scored as many as I’d like to, so it’s something we’ve been working on on the training pitch and hopefully we can get some more.”
Alongside his late goal, the centre-back also produced a strong defensive performance alongside Issa Diop, who was drafted into the starting XI just 15 minutes before kick-off after Kurt Zouma was ruled out with an upset stomach.
Dawson was proud of his partner, who hardly put a foot wrong, and revealed the naturally quietly-spoken Diop is also becoming more vocal presence on the pitch.
“To come in so late, fair credit to Issa as he was very good,” the No15 observed. “It was difficult for him to come in so late with little warning, so he was good.
“He was excellent. Fair play to him because he’s been working hard on the training pitch and he’s been excellent in training, so he’s got an opportunity and he did very well.
“Issa is very quiet but we’ve started to hear him on the pitch which is good. He was excellent, so well done to him.”
Another player who excelled was Bowen, who made it seven goals in his last seven games in all competitions with a superbly taken opener from Diop’s through ball.
Again, Dawson was hugely impressed by his teammate’s performance.
“You can see Jarrod’s confidence is very high and he’s a top, top player,” he enthused. “We expect big things from him every week now and hopefully we’ll keep seeing it.”