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Jonny Evans: Too early to panic about poor form

Baggies skipper Jonny Evans insists the players are confident they can turn around their recent run of poor form.

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Jonny Evans was forced off in the first half. (AMA)

Albion are now eight games without a win in all competitions, and haven't won in the league since the middle of August.

But Evans, who was forced off with a groin injury during Saturday's lacklustre 1-0 defeat at Southampton, reckons it's far too early to panic.

"I don’t think the lads are concerned at all," he said. "We’re experienced enough to know it’s a long season. Even before all the kick-offs at the weekend we were tenth.

"That’s where we finished last season and everyone was saying what a good season it was so you’ve got to be patient.

"Our ball retention is something we’re working on and hopefully when the lads get to know each other a bit more things will start paying off and coming together."

It doesn't get any easier for Albion though, who face Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham in three of their next four fixtures.

But Evans reckons those tough matches will suit their playing style.

"Apart from Arsenal, we haven't played the big big sides yet and I think they’re the games we probably look forward to," he said.

"We’re not a possession team those type of teams always dominate possession against us and we enjoy that defensive responsibility of trying to shut those teams out.

"Hopefully they’ll be good games and ones we can pick up points in."

Albion have now let in three late goals in a row, but Evans reckons they wouldn't have conceded had they taken the lead during a short spell of pressure after switching to a back three.

"It was a very difficult game for both teams, it probably didn’t make a great spectacle but the wind was making it difficult to get the ball down and play," he said. "Unfortunately Southampton have managed to get one at the end.

"We had a chance a couple of minutes before for Jay (Rodriguez) and they were able to take the chance and we weren’t.

"That was the difference in the game and if it had gone the other way and we’d gone 1-0 up we wouldn’t have conceded. We’d have been a lot more resolute."

Evans was forced off in the first half, and was due to undergo a scan over the weekend to assess the damage.

"I felt my groin after a challenge with Shane Long around about the half way line and I couldn’t shake it off so I had to go off," he said. "It’s a new injury."