Dublin manager Dessie Farrell praised his side for the way they eventually wore down the challenge of Monaghan in Saturday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park.
The sides were level on six occasions at Croke Park before the Dubs, courtesy of strong last 10 minutes, got over the line to win by seven points and so book a place in a first decider since 2020.
Monaghan had a couple of goal chances in the opening half, with some last-gasp defending by the Dublin rearguard keeping them at bay. The Farney were a point down at the break, a stat that somewhat flattered the Leinster champions. The expected Dublin power surge on the resumption did not materialise and it wasn't until the closing stages that Farrell's side pulled away, with Dean Rock getting their goal in the final moments.
"It could have went either way," said the Dubs boss afterwards, when speaking to RTÉ Sport.
Reflecting on what Monaghan brought to game, Farrell added: "The little bit of experience and composure towards the end ultimately saw us out, to get us to that place, to get our noses in front. We had to overcome a really stiff challenge from Monaghan, we knew we were going to face that, we knew what they were bringing to the table.
Game over, ball burst.
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 15, 2023
The Dean Rock goal that sealed the win for Dublin
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"We played them in a big game last year and they relegated us to Division 2. Today was always going to be a massive test and we are delighted to have overcome it."
In a continuation of his praise for the effort put in by Monaghan, Farrell highlighted a game-plan that proved tricky for his side, but was satisfied with how his troops dealt with it.
"They [Monaghan] are such an improved side over the last couple of months. You look at their structure, their movement patterns, they are all very comfortable with the game-plan. It's a slow build-up, we like to play at a higher tempo, so that can be frustrating at times.
"It was a very cagey affair and it being a semi-final it was a nervy affair; a lot was at stake. There were some turnovers and errors; it wasn't played with the same gusto and tempo that we would like.
"I think we coped with it well. In the second half we got to turn the screw. Execution was good in the first half when we were struggling to get hands on ball. We were clinical with not a huge amount of possession. The stats may tell a different story but it looked that way from the sideline. Semi-finals are there to be won and we were delighted to get through this challenge."
