Southgate: 'I'm Winning The Battle'!

Last updated : 01 March 2009 By Boro Mad



Gareth Southgate: "We said last week, we might have to get a couple of results we are not expected to, and that's what we did on Saturday.

"The players have put some consistent performances together. Their belief is coming back, their confidence is coming back.

"We have said if our good players play well and we can get a regular team on the field - having a settled back five has helped - they are key things in this division.

"A few weeks ago, we played Blackburn here, we drew 0-0 and we were heavily criticised because of it.

"But the one thing we did say was we needed to start being difficult to beat, and in our last six games against Premier League teams in the league and cup, we have kept four clean sheets.

"That gives us a platform to build from and when you do that, you can always pinch a goal at the other end.

"I felt he needed to come out of the team when he did. His response has been fantastic in the last couple of games, the pressure he has put on teams from the front.

"Lo and behold, when you work as hard as he has, you get your fortune and you get your goals, and that's a lesson for everybody.

"When you cannot change things, you have to think about the next game and try to improve.

"Today, there was a massive difference. In the first 30 minutes, we were in control of everything.

"But you need to score."

BORO: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Bates, Arca (Walker 88), Downing, Sanli (Adam Johnson 79), Aliadiere (King 68).

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Taylor, Emnes, Alves.
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Carragher (Benayoun 71), Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (Lucas 76), Babel, El Zhar (Ngog 68).

Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Riera, Darby.

Att: 33,724