West Bromwich Albion's improvement has come after some honest conversations among the players, says goalkeeper Max O'Leary.
The Baggies have earned successive goalless draws to move two points clear of the Championship relegation zone and the former Bristol City keeper says they are the result of discussions following a 3-0 loss at Portsmouth.
"We've had some honest discussions with each other. The Pompey game wasn't good enough, we all knew that," O'Leary told BBC Radio WM.
"It doesn't matter what formation we play, [it's about] just getting the principles right and everyone putting that maximum effort in and looking in the mirror and saying 'I gave everything today'.
"I like to think I'm a fresh voice coming in and seeing it from a different perspective is what you need sometimes, and I'm not afraid to have conversations with people about what's gong on and how we can try to improve together."
The 29-year-old has played all four league games for West Brom since moving to The Hawthorns on a short-term deal in January and has helped them keep successive clean sheets for the first time since October 2024.
"It gives us a foundation to build on. You're in the game if it's 0-0 and we keep that clean sheet," O'Leary added.
"I've only been here a few games, to get something from the game puts you in good stead. You're in the game at half-time, in the 70th and 80th minute and then you can maybe go and nick a goal."
West Brom visit Norwich in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
