Improved Boro defence the key for Friend

Middlesbrough need to show the same defensive fortitude that earned them promotion to the Premier League, according to defender George Friend.

Boro managed their first clean sheet since August in a goalless draw against Arsenal at the weekend, answering their critics after a tough recent run.

With former Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aitor Karanka as a manager, it’s no surprise that keeping things tight is a priority for the Teessiders.

And Friend believes they have the necessary ingredients at the back to prove they are worth their place in the top flight.

(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

He said: “It was a big performance from us (against Arsenal) and I think we silenced a lot of critics. We can be very proud.

“It was like the displays that the fans had been used to last season, keeping those clean sheets. We’re equals with them, we’re in the Premier League, so let’s stay here now.

“It was like the performances of old, under this manager we’ve been so solid and resolute and take pride in it. It’s not something you want to be doing all the time, but you take pride in that.

“I felt everyone has been a bit negative because the results haven’t come our way. We were used to winning last season and we’ve gone through a bit of a sticky patch. I’ve called for that collectiveness, not just in the changing room but the whole of Teesside.”