Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson praised his players for "digging deep" as they took another important step in the Premiership title race.

It was not a five-star show by Liverpool but there is no doubt the points put pressure on title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

Thompson said: "Sometimes you have to dig deep. I am not going to start apologising because I know we have played better.

"Results, however, are more important than performances. I am not going to say we played magnificently but when it not going right you have to dig deep.

"There is no better team in the Premiership than this group of lads.

"Middlesbrough had a lot of shots from outside the box and they did well. They had more players in midfield and maybe that cost them a little cutting edge in the penalty area."

The defeat was harsh on a Boro side that deserved at least a share of the points.

Boro are not yet clear of the relegation zone but on this performance they should achieve safety with something to spare.

Middlesbrough fans have often been critical of the performances of their team but on this occasion they applauded them off the field at the final whistle.

Manager Steve McClaren shared the delight of the fans.

The former assistant manager of Manchester United said: "There were a lot of plusses today. A lot of plusses for the players and the fans. We looked strong defensively and had many chances.

"We missed Noel Whelan (ruled out with a throat infection) as an extra striker.

"If we perform like that, and show the same attitude, we will win more games than we lose.

"If there had been a few minutes of the clock we might have got something in the end.

"We scored three goals in seven minutes against Everton and we could have done the same again today."

In the match programme Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb hit out over recent criticism of the team.

Lamb said: "I, and many of our supporters, become so irritated when the media becomes obsessed with labelling us as 'Boring Boro'."

No one, however, could level that criticism against Middlesbrough in this game. In the first half hour Boro displayed some of their best football of the season in a game of action and thrills.

Boro certainly did not deserve to go a goal down after 33 minutes. Liverpool, however, are renowned for soaking up pressure and counter-attacking to good effect.

Nicolas Anelka began the move down the left wing and spotted Dietmar Hamann unmarked on the opposite side of the field.

Anelka hit over an accurate pass to his unmarked colleague. When a Hamann shot was blocked by Mark Schwarzer in a crowded area, Emile Heskey popped up to score from close range.

The goal was against the run of play and the home side certainly did not deserve to go into the dressing room a goal down.

Luke Wilkshire, a young player who came over to England on an Australian soccer scholarship, had a chance of glory five minutes after the break but he shot wide.

Middlesbrough were off the boil at this stage and Liverpool came more into the game. A Sami Hyypia header was saved on the goal-line by Schwarzer.

Liverpool, who introduced England player Steven Gerrard in the 70th minute, increased their lead through John Arne Riise.

Schwarzer had no chance with a left-shot of power and accuracy from 20 yards as it flew into the net.

Middlesbrough strove hard to pull the game round and former Aston Villa central defender Gareth Southgate scored with a header from a Carlos Marinelli cross a minute from time.

Sadly, for Middlesbrough, it was too little and too late, yet on this display they will retain their top-flight status.

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