Michael Carrick was delighted at Middlesbrough's ability to pass a different type of test as they came from behind to win at Norwich City.
Although Boro came from behind to draw against Bristol City last weekend, what pleased Carrick so much at Carrow Road was the fact his side weathered the storm against a quality side when they were under pressure and managed to get a grip of the game, before striking twice in the second half to stun the hosts.
Josh Sargent put Norwich ahead early on and the promotion chasers then enjoyed a dominant period in the game when they threatened to extend their advantage.
But Boro grew into the game, finished the first half on top and then struck in the second half, with Riley McGree scoring a stunning equaliser before substitute Matt Crooks hit a dramatic stoppage time winner with his first touch of the ball.
Carrick said: “It’s a good result. They’re a terrific team and they’ve got some really good players. So we knew we’d be challenged today. But I believed in the boys and said that to them before the game. We came here to win and I had no doubt that we would win the game if we played well enough.
"I’m delighted with the way the game went in some ways because in the last two games, I know we went 1-0 down against Bristol City but we were really playing well at the time, whereas today, we had to get to grips with the game a little bit because they were causing us a few issues early on.
"But the boys had the belief to keep on going and in some ways the next challenge for us [to overcome] was going a goal down and winning a game. To come and do that here and win the game is a great feeling."
Carrick added: “There were loads of positives to take. I don’t like going behind in the game, and I’d rather not do it again. But it was a good challenge for us to be able to do that.
"Blackpool, we played well from start to finish because we scored early and were ahead in the game. So to do that today and show a different side to us, it shows how we’re together and, more importantly for me, we have that personality and belief to keep playing the football we want to play.
"We kept looking dangerous and wanting to express ourselves. It was a big game for us in that respect, to show that we’re capable of doing that in the toughest of places to come in this division."
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