Cyrus Christie readily accepts blame for Middlesbrough’s winner as Marvin Johnson’s late goal at the Riverside Stadium ended Chris Hughton’s unbeaten start as Nottingham Forest manager.
The right-back was caught flat-footed at the far post, allowing Johnson to connect with a whipped cross and finish first time, the 81st-minute strike enough to earn all three points for the hosts.
The loss was Hughton’s first in five games as Forest boss, and Christie was willing to take responsibility for the decisive goal at the end of an "ugly" game.
“It’s a tough afternoon, and a tough defeat to take,” he said. “We got drawn into their style of play and I’m sure it was an ugly game for the people watching and we didn’t put in a good enough performance.
“I put my hands up for the goal. I didn’t see it until the last minute and I couldn’t react quick enough and it was a great ball. Other than that, they didn’t really have a lot and it is fine margins.
“We had a couple of chances to take the lead but we know that, as a team, we weren’t good enough going forward and we didn’t have enough options. They always make it tough for you, but we have to take that risk and have more confidence in the way we play.
“I hold my hands up for the mistake and the defending, it was a tough one to defend against but this squad is full of talent and we have to utilise that now.”
Despite the previous four-game unbeaten run, Christie still believes the Reds have not been playing well enough, and wants an improvement as they prepare for City Ground clashes against two newly-promoted sides in Coventry and Wycombe.
Christie added: “We have to look forward now to Wednesday against Coventry and to put things right.
“We were four unbeaten, albeit three were draws, and I am sure the next win is coming. We can’t dwell on the past, we have to keep working hard in training and we have two games coming up at home and we have to take full advantage of that.
“As individuals and professionals, we have to take responsibility as we are not performing well enough. Once you step over the white line, it is about how we perform and there is not much the manager can do.
“If we don’t create the options for each other or pass and move, there is no one to blame but ourselves. We have to move forward and put it right as individuals and as a team.”
