Craig Dawson is convinced that West Ham United can take many positives from a narrow loss at Manchester United into our final three fixtures before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
David Moyes' outfit fell to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford thanks to Marcus Rashford’s first-half strike but had plenty of chances to leave Manchester with at least a point, although an inspired performance from David De Gea saw David Moyes’ men leave empty-handed.
The Hammers will look for a change of fortunes quickly in the Premier League, with two games left - against Crystal Palace and Leicester City at London Stadium - to play before the mid-season break.
And having made his return at Old Trafford – starting for the first time in West Ham’s win over RSC Anderlecht on 13 October – the No15 is confident the Irons can conclude the first part of the season on a positive note.
Should the team play at similar levels to their second-half showing in Manchester, results should come.
“Our performances have been good but unfortunately, the results have not gone our way,” Dawson said. “We have made a number of signings in the summer.
"We are gelling together – and it has taken more time than expected – but at Manchester United the performance was good - as it was at Anfield. On a different day, we take the points.
“Obviously, we are disappointed to lose against Manchester United, but the performance was good, and we will take that into the next games."
On a cold Sunday afternoon in Manchester, Dawson was just one of many in Claret and Blue who almost netted an equaliser at Old Trafford.
When the ball broke to the No15 on the edge of the box, the travelling 3000-strong Claret and Blue Army thought he had found the top corner. Instead, the ball drifted narrowly off target. It was a matter of inches - a feat that unfortunately repeated itself.
Later, David De Gea denied Kurt Zouma and Declan Rice, while Jarrod Bowen was also deterred, although this time by a block from Harry Maguire.
And while a hatful of those in Claret and Blue were unable to convert, Dawson knows the Hammers were not too far away from getting a result as they once again put up a fight – and dominated – away to one of the ‘so-called top-six'.
They must take the showing into the fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“It’s not the easiest place to come [Old Trafford],” added Dawson. “But the lads put it a great shift and were unlucky not to come away with a point.
“It was great to be back, although it is a tough game to come back to. But I thought we played well as a team.
“In the first half, Manchester United were on top – created a few chances and obviously got the goal. We slowly built into the game. After the break, we had some great chances - but fair play to Manchester United they defended the box well and the keeper made some great saves.
“Our focus now is on finishing strong before the break. It is important to take as many points as possible from our next games. The most important thing is that we are creating chances.”
