Steve Agnew: Middlesbrough have renewed hope after Sunderland victory
Wednesday 26 April 2017 23:43, UK
Middlesbrough have renewed hope in the battle against relegation after their Tees-Wear derby victory over Sunderland, according to Steve Agnew.
Boro gave themselves a fighting chance in their bid for survival with a 1-0 victory that left Sunderland on the brink of dropping into the Sky Bet Championship.
The victory, Agnew's first since taking charge at the Riverside Stadium, move the club to within six points of safety and was the perfect response to Saturday's drubbing at Bournemouth.
"This win gives us renewed hope," Agnew told Sky Sports. "Three points closes the gap and we just prepare for a massive game on Sunday.
"We are in the Premier League to compete against the best teams and with Manchester City coming up that is the game we look forward to.
"We were looking for a reaction after the disappointment on Saturday and there is no better way than getting the three points against our North East rivals.
"Every player, including the substitutes, ran their legs off, they gave every ounce of energy they.
"I have to say the supporters were magnificent, the noise in the stadium was terrific and when we're all in together everybody wins.
"In the second half we defended deeper than I would have luck then we saw the other side of the team; fighting spirit and determination to compete.
"When you show qualities like that it's a different way of winning."
Boro's victory - only their fifth of the season - was sealed by Marten de Roon's eighth-minute strike at the Riverside Stadium.
And Agnew singled out Adam Clayton and De Roon for their roles in the decisive strike.
"It was a great pass from Clayton and De Roon does that," he added.
"He's a runner from midfield and he has an eye for goal, it was a terrific finish."
