McClaren lauds Arsenal

McCLAREN'S VIEW Arsenal 5-3 Middlesbrough Wenger pays tribute to team

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren paid tribute to Arsenal after they matched Nottingham Forest's 42-game unbeaten League run by beating his side 5-3.

But he admitted to being disappointed that his team were unable to hold on to the 3-1 lead that threatened the Gunners' record during the game.

"Congratulations to Arsenal for a fantastic achievement - to go 42 games unbeaten is a great feat," he said.

"But we are bitterly disappointed to come away with nothing from the game."

He added: "We came here to play, to attack and to try to win.

"And we had a great chance to do that at 3-1 up.

"We were a little bit too defensive in the first half and I said at half-time 'Let's get the shackles off and attack'.

"We did that and we showed that we can compete - but we need to be better than that at 3-1 up, especially away from home.

"Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe and that's why they have gone 42 games unbeaten.

"They have got that something there that makes them invincible at the moment.

"But we showed great character and attitude and showed that we want to go places in the future."