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Liverpool came to spoil, effectively looking for a point, playing just Michael Owen up front with Emile Heskey deplyed wide on the left, obviously to counter the threat of Geremi.
The plan restricted Liverpool to long balls to an isolated Owen who had little support from the midfield and hence Liverpool made few chances throughout the game.
Boro didn't fare too much better on the chance side as they struggled to make their possession count in the first half, Geremi coming closest with a header into the side netting.
The trend continued in the scond half as Boro were encamped in the Liverpool half for long periods. Maccarone had a goal disallowed for off-side as the Liverpool defence showed signs of cracking.
The breakthrough came with less than 10 minutes left, the ball was lofted into the box from Geremi following a corner and was met by Jerzy Dudek under challenge from substitute Alen Boksic.
The Polish keeper collided with a Liverpool defender and spilled the ball to a thankful Gareth Southgate who poked the ball into an empty net.
Confusion rained for several seconds as the Liverpool players complained that Dudek was impeded but after a brief consultation with the linsman the goal was confirmed.
The goal brought Liverpool to life and they should have equalised when Heskey connected with a cross but his tame affort drifted wide of Marl Schwarzer's post.
Boro should have sealed the victory a minute into injury time. A 5-onto-1 break saw Jonathan Greening feed Boksic on the left but as the Croatian lined up to shoot he slipped in a heap on the floor.
A tremendous victory against a disappointing Liverpool side, but their attempt to take a point was thwarted by a determined Boro side who for once had lady luck on their side.