ONE of the main reasons Michael Carrick was always adamant Middlesbrough would bring an end to their losing stretch sooner rather than later was the togetherness in his squad.
And what Carrick saw when he turned to his bench after the opening goal at Stoke thrilled the head coach.
Carrick and his coaching staff reacted to Marcus Forss' opener with the sort of celebrations usually reserved for a dramatic late winner, such was the importance of the midweek bet365 Stadium success.
But one of his substitutes celebrated the goal more than anyone else: Kelechi Iheanacho.
And considering the striker is only at Boro on loan, has had an underwhelming start to life on Teesside and was dropped to the bench for the game at Stoke, that reaction from the striker was more evidence to Carrick of the unity in his squad.
“Kel didn’t play tonight and he’s on loan," said Boro's boss.
"He’s played in the games that have proven difficult when we haven’t won. He’s done well but we changed it tonight. He celebrated the most of anyone when that first goal went in. He was bouncing off the bench and celebrating like anything. When I turned around and saw that, I thought, we’re going to be alright.”
RECOMMENDED READING
Stoke levelled on the stroke of half-time but Boro recovered well and eased to victory after the break thanks to goals from Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway, to the anger of home boss Mark Robins.
He said: “Second half is frustrating after we get back into the game. We give ourselves something to hang on to - or not necessarily even just hang on to because I thought we could go out and play in the second half and show some aggression.
"There was some naivety in our play. But, even without that, you’ve got to go and help yourselves by winning the fight and winning the duels. We didn’t do that and we got what we deserve.
“Ultimately, it’s all about the physical side of it and the desire to go and win some duels. I think they won 27 duels to our 15, and they had more possession. We’ve lost the really important ones in the middle of the pitch and end up conceding chances and they stick the ball in the back of the net.
"It’s frustrating because they were there for the taking. They were there for the taking. They’re lacking confidence and are absolutely delighted they were playing Stoke City tonight. I’m fuming with it. We need better performances, and in time, we need better players.”
