A few seats further forward, Nolan glanced sideways.
Dawson hadn't spoken since they'd left Goodison.
The assistant manager studied him for a moment before breaking the silence.
"You've looked miserable ever since we got on the bus."
Dawson let out a quiet breath.
"I was hoping City would win."
"That's not something I expected to hear," Nolan said before looking at Dawson, wanting a reason.
"It would've kept everyone looking at them instead of us."
He rubbed a hand across his jaw before looking down the aisle, where most of the squad were either asleep or quietly talking among themselves.
"Right now, people still think this is a good run. When we beat Burnley on Tuesday, suddenly it isn't a good run anymore. We'd go top."
Dawson looked back through the windscreen, the motorway lights beginning to flicker on in the distance.
"Being near the top is one thing. Sitting at the top..." He shook his head.
