Downing targets momentum

Keith Downing has challenged West Brom to beat Arsenal on Sunday and gain momentum for the next manager.

Baggies number two looks to give Hodgson a winning send-off

West Brom number two Keith Downing has challenged the players to beat Arsenal on Sunday and gain momentum for the next manager. New England manager Roy Hodgson has guided the Baggies to safety in the last two seasons and his side will surpass their best ever points tally in the Premier League - 47 - by avoiding defeat against the Gunners. The Baggies need a win to guarantee a top-half finish and Downing wants to end their season - and Hodgson's 15-month reign - with a win over UEFA Champions League chasing Arsenal at The Hawthorns. He said: "We want to finish above 47 points and finish strongly to make sure we have momentum for the new man in charge. "We want to finish on a good note and a positive note heading into the summer. "From the players' point of view, for some of them there are still contracts to play for. "We know the importance of Arsenal's situation but there is still something for us to play for. "We also hope we can give Roy a really good send-off with a positive result. It will be a good occasion for everyone, but particularly Roy and hopefully everyone will turn out in their droves."

Pressure

Downing knows the pressure will be on the Gunners to ensure they claim the victory needed to finish third ahead of Tottenham and Newcastle. He said: "Credit to Arsenal for putting their destiny back into their own hands. "They will come to our place looking for three points but we are unbeaten in four games and we want to continue that run. "Maybe at home recently, they haven't got as many points as they would have wished but they have only lost one of the last five games. They have offensive-minded and very dangerous players." Downing remains convinced Hodgson is the right appointment for England ahead of the Euro 2012 finals. He said: "Roy is the best man in my opinion. He will give them strength and a purpose. His man-management skills are excellent. "England will go into each game with a strategic game plan and with the best chance of winning those games. "Roy will bring a purpose to every day he works with the players."