A lot of football is still to be played between now and the end of the season, defender Craig Dawson reiterated at full-time on Saturday.
The 31-year-old had more than played his part in an impressive defensive effort by West Ham United at Old Trafford, resuming a solid partnership with the returning Kurt Zouma and limiting Manchester United to just a solitary shot on target prior to injury time.
It was a collective achievement which sadly did not endure the entirety of the 93 minutes, however, as Marcus Rashford stole in at the back post to slot home from Edinson Cavani’s pull-back and leave Dawson and his teammates defeated at the very last.
Nevertheless, the Hammers have demonstrated their character and resolve on many occasions in the last two seasons – and Dawson knows that determination, rather than despondency, will be at the heart of their response.
“We’re obviously disappointed,” the defender admitted.
“For them to score in the last seconds was tough to take, but credit to the lads. We worked very hard, but unfortunately we didn’t come away with anything to show for it.
“We knew Manchester United’s qualities and we’d prepared all week trying to prevent them from creating chances. I thought we did that well throughout the game, but Manchester United don’t give up and obviously scored in the final seconds.
“There’s a long way to go in the season, so we’ll be back on the training pitch and working to hopefully put things right.”
Sitting in fifth place in the Premier League table with 15 games of their campaign remaining, the Irons remain in contention for both UEFA Champions League and Europa League football next season.
He [Declan Rice] is obviously a top-class player and getting better week in, week out
Craig Dawson
A lot of football is still to be played between now and May, therefore, and Dawson knows that a spirited response will be required after the imminent festive fixture break.
Indeed, the fact that it was fine margins which settled Saturday’s game – Tomáš Souček had seen a header flash narrowly wide just seconds before Rashford’s winner – will only serve as further encouragement.
Dawson reflected: “On another day, those chances go in.
“Obviously there were a couple of errors from us which led to their goal, which we’re disappointed about, but the lads put in everything throughout the game.
“Credit to the lads for that. We have to get back on the training pitch, pick ourselves up and go again.”
Dawson also reserved particular words of praise for influential captain Declan Rice, who shielded the back four with aplomb at Old Trafford.
The defender concluded: “He’s obviously a top-class player and getting better week in, week out.
“It’s great to play behind Declan, and he’s clearly got a big future ahead of him.”