Grant hails crucial victory
31 Mar 2008 - 07:36:15
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- Grant hails crucial victory
Chelsea manager Avram Grant admitted that his side had been fortunate to seal a 1-0 win at home to Middlesbrough and move to within five points of Premier League leaders Manchester United.
An early Ricardo Carvalho header proved to be enough for the Blues, who withstood a late onslaught by Boro, who hit the woodwork three times in the second half.
Grant said: "They hit the crossbar two times, but at the other end Shaun Wright-Phillips could have scored twice, as could Didier Drogba in the first half.
"I cannot say that it was our best game, but it was important for us to win rather than have quality in the game.
"It is a good win. They were unlucky, but we also created some good chances from open play. We started very well and, maybe because of that, we thought it would be easy.
"We controlled the ball and controlled the game, but by not making it 2-0 it became a good chance for the other team. But I think we deserved the win.
"At this stage of the season, it's all about winning."