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ESPNsoccernet: England | |
Peter Odemwingie believes West Bromwich Albion's reputation as a top-six side has contributed to their recent dip.
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The Nigeria forward feels other teams have become more cautious when playing against them because of their impressive start to the season.
"They've seen we have quality and pace. I've noticed people play more careful against us now," he said. "It becomes a bit more difficult but that's when you need to show character and belief that we are growing.
"We have been doing well this season and we've had a bad three weeks but hopefully we can score goals again."
Albion were third in the Premier League after their 4-2 victory at Sunderland almost a month ago but have since lost three games in a row and followed up with a televised home draw against West Ham.
Steve Clarke's side are now seventh, albeit only two points behind third-placed Chelsea, and are at home to Norwich on Saturday before successive trips in Christmas week to QPR and Manchester United.
Odemwingie, one of the successes of Albion's 2012-13 campaign to date with his four goals and several assists, is set to miss some of the domestic New Year programme when he travels to South Africa with his country for the Africa Cup of Nations.
But the 31-year-old believes his club can push on while he is away.
"I want to be going there with West Brom high in the table," Odemwingie said. "That would help me emotionally.
"Of course I will miss a couple of weeks of action here but I believe we have a squad that can hold on to the good start we have had."