Mike Williamson hailed MK Dons’ energy as he claimed his first victory as manager in a rousing 4-1 win over Bradford at Stadium MK.
Joe Tomlinson gave The Dons an early advantage, but it was cancelled out by Bradford’s Alex Gilliead in the opening 20 minutes.
They reclaimed their lead through a Jack Payne free-kick before running away winners with two second-half goals from Max Dean and Alex Gilbey, marking Dons’ first victory in 10 league games.
“The boys were fantastic and played with so much energy,” Williamson said. “We created so many chances, which was pleasing, but I’ve got to say it was mainly off the players and less about the structure.
“When we get the ideas across, we should start to see things a bit cleaner. But the boys deserve that.
“They’ve been working extremely hard and it’s been tough so they deserve that feeling now.
“I think we probably missed the easier chances and put away the harder ones, as is football.
“I’m sure a lot of fans were thinking we were going to get that sucker punch. That’s the atmosphere. That’s what we’ve got to work through, understand and appreciate, and just focus on what we’re doing with the lads.
“It’s just about that emotional and tactical reset from the first minute to the 95th minute.
“We’ve got an extremely talented, hard-working and humble group here, and it’s just up to us to find the things we can improve and support them on.”
Bradford’s caretaker player-manager Kevin McDonald, who named himself in midfield in place of suspended captain Richie Smallwood, admitted standards slipped as City fell to their first defeat in five matches.
“We’ve set a standard and we fell below that standard,” McDonald said. “We expect better, the fans expect better and the fans deserve better.
“We need to pick ourselves up and be ready to go. I tell you one thing, we’ll be ready to go because we don’t want a performance like that and we won’t accept it as a player or as a coach.
“On a night like that, it’s one of those ones where we’ve got to have a good look over it and see where things went wrong and things we can improve.
“We’ve been compact as a team in and out of possession and when you are, you can win the ball back and play forward quickly.
“Tonight didn’t seem to be that way but credit to them, they played some nice stuff and it was a tough evening for everyone.
“At times we were a bit all over the place, and that’s not what we’ve been. They played some nice stuff and it was a tough evening for everyone.”
New Man Utd boss Amorim believes his system is 'perfect' for Mount
Ruben Amorim expressed his “love” for Mason Mount as he prepares to take charge of his first match as Manchester United head coach.
Mount has been hampered by injury during his spell at United, having started just seven matches for the club in the league and contributing only one goal.
Yet he accrued 27 goals, 22 assists and created 227 chances during 129 appearances while at Chelsea. He will hope the arrival of his new boss will help him to recapture such form.
Amorim arrived in Manchester on 11 November and, having had time to familiarise himself with a new squad during the international break, is excited at what Mount can bring to the Red Devils.
“Mason Mount… I have to tell you I love that kid. You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. This is the most important thing,” he said at a press conference.
“He played in this system, so it’s perfect for him. I have two positions for Mount, so he should be very happy!”
The English midfielder was once seen as one of England’s most exciting talents, having impressed in the capital, but has floundered in his limited performances at United, with just 10 chances created in 17 matches.
But Erik ten Hag’s departure could signal a reversal of fortunes for United and Mount.
Following an unbeaten run under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amorim will take the helm in the Premier League for the first time against Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Postecoglou thinks Spurs can end Guardiola's Premier League dominance
Ange Postecoglou relishes the opportunity to challenge Pep Guardiola’s Premier League dominance after he signed a contract extension with Manchester City.
It was announced by City on Thursday that Guardiola will stay at the club until 2027 after agreeing a new two-year deal, taking his time at the Etihad to over a decade.
Under Guardiola (since 2016-17), City have lost more Premier League games (six) and conceded more goals (22) against Spurs than they have against any other opponent in the top-flight.
It is perhaps unsurprising then that, despite the City boss having lifted the Premier League trophy in six of the last seven seasons, Postecoglou was happy his competitor was remaining at the helm.
"I look at it the other way, imagine you knock him off? That would be something, eh?,"Postecoglou began.
"And I'm at the stage of my life where I'd rather have a chance of knocking him off than missing that opportunity. In the right way, obviously.
"I think when greatness is around, you want to be around it. Hopefully it challenges you to be like that as well.”
Postecoglou is preparing to travel to face City in the league on Saturday during Guardiola’s worst run of form of his career.
City have lost each of their last four matches in all competitions. The Citizens last lost more consecutively between March and April 2006 under Stuart Pearce (six – the fifth game of which was also against Tottenham).
It could present the perfect opportunity for the Australian boss to start his ascent on Guardiola’s dominance, though he will have to face demons of his own as his side have won just two of their last 11 Premier League away games (D2 L7).
"I love the fact that there is a massive target out there that can seem insurmountable. It does for me anyway, raises my level, gets me going,” he added.
"I love the challenge of that and I never see that as a bad thing."
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