'It is difficult for every team because this Premiership is so competitive and anybody can beat anybody else and if you have an off day you lose.
'Liverpool won't be so happy with the performance but they have got away with it and got the result which is usually a sign of a good side. It needs others to slip up but this season they could get a clean sweep again.'
Central to Liverpool's Premiership challenge will be Nicolas Anelka, who has steadily rediscovered his form just as the title chase reaches the final furlong.
With Michael Owen rested to be given the opportunity to face Roma tomorrow, the Frenchman led the line brilliantly and his mesmerising and determined run eventually brought Emile Heskey the opener.
He looks like the striker Arsenal lost so controversially and just edged a compelling contest with marker Gareth Southgate. The England defender scored Boro's deserved goal but could only stand back and admire John Arne Riise's fine winner.
Anelka wants to renew his full-time relationship with the Premiership at Anfield and team-mate Abel Xavier said: 'It looks like he has found a home. He already looks like he belongs to Liverpool Football Club.' The result was cruel on Middlesbrough, who dominated at the Riverside Stadium and were twice denied when Franck Queudrue headers were blocked on the line.
McClaren and his side delivered a clear message to the lunchtime viewers and their sixth attendance over 30,000 after Gary Lineker had labelled them boring.
Ince added: 'I think we proved a few things to a few people and I just hope Gary Lineker was watching after the rubbish he came out with when we beat Everton last week.
'A lot of people jumped on the bandwagon after Lineker had a go at us but I think this showed that we are a team going places.
'What Lineker said about us hurt a lot of people at Middlesbrough - and the worst thing about it is that he was wrong.'
Middlesbrough have taken Cambridge United's French striker Armand One on a week-long trial with a view to a £750,000 move.
The 19-year-old, 6ft 4in striker, who has also attracted the attention of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, was signed from Nantes for £30,000.
