Aitor Karanka grateful for Middlesbrough experience after fourth straight win
Saturday 19 September 2015 15:56, UK
Aitor Karanka felt Middlesbrough's experience helped them overcome their mistakes and claim a 2-1 Championship victory at Nottingham Forest.
The Boro boss was frustrated to see his side concede from a set-piece - Matt Mills powering home on seven minutes to cancel out David Nugent's early goal - having focused on Forest's threat from corners before kick-off.
But after Daniel Ayala headed home to put them ahead for a second time, a fine display from 'keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos - including a late penalty save from Henri Lansbury - ensured Boro recorded their fourth straight win.
"We have made a mistake for the goal and the game was difficult, but we got the second goal and we got the result. We lost here last season in a similar type of game," said Karanka.
"But we have won this time because we have the quality, because we have experience; we have experienced players on the pitch and, in the end, that helped us to collect the three points.
"It was a surprise to see us look vulnerable from set-pieces. Because it is not like us. I can understand it at the end of the game, when you lose concentration because you are tired.
"But this was at the beginning of the game and we had discussed, an hour before the game, Forest's movement (from set-pieces). It was a difficult goal for me. But we have made a mistake and we have still won the game, so hopefully we can learn from it.
"Sometimes when you make a mistake you lose. Today we have made a mistake and we have still won the game, which is the main thing. We have to play with more concentration in the future."
As well as scoring the winning goal - and becoming a father in the week - Ayala also briefed Konstantopoulos over where Lansbury would place his penalty.
"He told Dimi that Henri Lansbury would put the penalty down the middle as well as scoring the goal. It was a good day for him and an important day for us," said Karanka.
Forest manager Dougie Freedman felt his side had done enough to secure something from the game - possibly even to win it - and had no complaints about their performance.
"We were playing against the side I believe will be the champions of the division come the end of the season," he said.
"I understand what Forest fans want, I cannot always deliver it, but we did play some attractive football today and we created numerous opportunities.
"We had the chances, unfortunately we just did not take them. You will not see me getting too emotional when we win or when we lose.
"Middlesbrough have been together, as a team and with their manager, for two or three years. They know about each other's qualities, they play as a team. That is how to be a successful side.
"But we showed great spirit and great quality. We created enough chances to have taken the game. We certainly had enough openings to take something from the game.
"We have played attractive, attacking football, Henri Lansbury was fantastic in the centre of the park, just as he has been for the last three games. You are not going to see me with my chin on my chest. Is there progress here? Yes there is."
