Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick admits ‘bitter disappointment’ over Sunderland derby defeat
MICHAEL CARRICK spoke of his “bitter disappointment” after seeing his Middlesbrough come away empty-handed from their derby battle at Sunderland.
Chris Rigg wrote himself into Wear-Tees derby folklore as the 17-year-old’s outrageous back-heeled winner secured Sunderland a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
His instinctive 24th-minute finish settled a tight encounter in the home side’s favour to erase the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat at Plymouth and put their early-season charge back on track
The Teessiders were in it until the death at the Stadium of Light but, unlike Regis Le Bris’ men, were unable to find the cutting edge to get something from the game.
Carrick was frustrated to have come away empty-handed after what he felt was a creditable display.
“We’re bitterly disappointed,” said Carrick. “To come here and lose whatever way we lose is really disappointing. We didn’t come to do that and we understand what the game is, so we can’t hide thatt.”
Carrick was happy with much of what he saw but mystified by referee Simon Hooper’s decision only to book Trai Hume for an ugly eighth-minute lunge at Emmanuel Latte Lath.
