Boro Back On Track After Fulham Win

Fulham    0        Middlesbrough    2

                                               Adomah 3 Leadbitter 20 (Pen)

Two first half goals helped Middlesbrough move to within a point of the Championship summit after a 2-0 victory away at Fulham.

Albert Adomah’s header and a Grant Leadbitter penalty inside 20 minutes gave the hosts their second win in as many matches, following a run of five league games without a victory.

Albert Adomah heads Boro ahead inside three minutes
(Picture from the Daily Mail)

Fulham’s Richard Stearman received a late red card when he slipped and tried recover by pulling substitute Jordan Rhodes to the floor.

The London side are now down to 20^th in the table, just seven points above the relegation zone.

Boro remain third but are now level on points with Hull, with a game in hand. They are just a point behind leaders Burnley who have played two more games and Karanka’s side could go top if they beat Blackburn on Tuesday night.

The visitors made an impressive start at Craven Cottage and were ahead inside 3 minutes. Stewart Downing’s pin point cross was met by a leaping header from the unmarked Adomah who converted his seventh goal of the season.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s decision to play three centre backs appeared to back fire, as Boro suffocated their hosts from the off.

Their front line was lively and relentless, as Fulham were given little time to settle on their home turf and they fell further behind moments later.

Downing was again involved, as he threaded a pass through to full back Richie De Laet on the left. His cut back then found David Nugent, who invited a clumsy challenge from Chris Baird prompting the referee to point to the spot before Leadbitter converted.

Fulham had chances to equalise but substitute Moussa Dembele’s overhead kick was saved by Dimi Konstantopulos. De Laet then made a spectacular clearance off the line to keep out Michael Madl’s header.

Jamie O'Hara also had a late chance for the hosts but fired wide of the target.

Fulham v Middlesbrough Preview

Craven Cottage was a place full of nightmares for Middlesbrough and Aitor Karanka last season.

In the penultimate game of the campaign and with promotion on the line, the Boro boss sent goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopulos up for a corner with the game level at 3-3. With a quick counter attack the hosts scored and all but ended Boro’s hopes of gaining automatic promotion, Boro fans all know what happened next.

This season’s clash provides a similar scenario with Karanka’s side once again competing at the top of the table, while Fulham are engrossed in mid-table with little to play for.

In his pre-match press conference, Karanka praised The Cottagers’ manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who guided Watford to promotion last season.

‘They (Fulham) have improved a lot over the past month and a half’ said Karanka, who is expecting another tough game in Southwest London.

The Spainaird also expressed the importance of Boro’s victory over Cardiff at the Riverside on Tuesday, after the side had gone five games without a win.

Team News

Karanka confirmed that Daniel Ayala is, once again, likely to miss out through injury after missing the last few games.

Boro's Ben Gibson
(Picture from www.premierleague.com)

Ben Gibson is available again after serving a suspension, however Adam Clayton will have to serve his second of a two game ban following his 10^th booking of the season at Leeds.

Fulham will be without defender Fernando Amorebieta, who was on loan at Boro in the first half of the season, due to suspension.

They will still be without goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli , striker Cauley Woodrow and midfielder Lasse Christensen who are all still recovering from injuries.

The Opposition

Karanka may think Fulham have improved under Jokanovic, but they have only won three games since his appointment in December.

They are ten points clear of the drop zone and will probably have little to play for the rest of the campaign. They drew at Leeds on Tuesday night, and before that they hammered Charlton 3-0 at home.

Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue, and despite their dwindling position of 18^th in the league they are the joint top scorers in the division alongside Burnley on 51 goals.

Inevitably they have had trouble at the other end where they have leaked 54 goals this campaign, only Rotherham, Bolton and Charlton have conceded more.

One To Watch

Ross Mccormack

Fulham's Ross Mccormack
(Picture from static.standard.co.uk)

Mccormack is the man who has been linked with Boro transfer window after transfer window for the last few years.

In the end Karanka signed another prolific striker in the younger, and potentially better valued, Jordan Rhodes; however Mccormack is still a serious threat at this level.

The 29-year-old has bagged 16 goals this campaign, only Andre Gray of Burnley has more.

Mccormack also scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season so the Boro defence will have to follow his every move.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 0 Fulham 0

A disappointing game earlier in the season ironically finished goalless, between two of the top scorers in the division at the time.

In the end both sides cancelled each other out, however the visitors had a late chance to win it when

Mccormack, who else, went through on goal but fired wide.


Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

With Ayala still out I would give Dael Fry another chance after impressing against Cardiff.

Emilio has been great at right back for most of the season but Richie De Laet has shown he is Premier League quality and at this stage of the season you have to play your strongest team.

Some people may leave Downing out after some below par displays, but in a tricky game away from home I think his experience will be valuable.

Boro Get Promotion Bid Back On Track

Middlesbrough    3        Cardiff    1

                        Connolly (OG) 24 Ramirez 63                            Fabio 20

                                        Nugent 83

Before this game Middlesbrough fans saw flashbacks of their past triumphs as the club paid its tributes to the late-great commentator Allister Brownlee, who tragically passed away last week.

In a five minute video prior to kick-off, the Riverside relived the golden moments, which the passionate and distinguished voice of Brownlee made extra special.

Among the clips was the Boro side that lifted the League Cup back in 2004, the penalty save from Mark Schwarzer which saw them qualify for Europe and that famous header from Massimo Maccarone as the Teessiders reached the UEFA Cup final.

If the rest of this season goes to plan, then a promotion campaign could be added to those recent memories. On Monday Boro manager Aitor Karanka said that Brownlee’s passing had given his side an extra motivation to return to the Premier League and this was clear evidence of that.

Gaston Ramirez celebrates his first Boro goal
(Picture from The Northern Echo)

They played with spirt and character as they came from a goal down to beat Cardiff and end a barren run of five games without a win.

In the 56^th minute, Brownlee’s age when he passed away, fans remembered the much-loved commentator by lighting up the torches on their phones and singing the words ‘There’s only one Ali Brownlee’. He would have enjoyed this victory just as much as anyone.

A comical own goal from Cardiff defender Matthew Connolly, as well as second half strikes from Gaston Ramirez and substitute David Nugent aided Boro here.

All came after a wonderful strike from Cardiff right back Fabio who scored his first goal for the club to open the scoring after 20 minutes. 

Yet Boro got the break and the win that they so desperately needed after their recent wobbles.

It was a much improved performance compared to the bland and insipid displays against the likes of Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn.

Adam Forshaw, who returned due to Adam Clayton’s suspension, added fluidity and zest to the midfield, Albert Adomah ran himself into the ground and created regular openings, while Ramirez produced the moments of magic when the team need him most.

Even so keeper Dimi Konstantopulos was forced to pull off two spectacular saves, one of which came when the sides were locked at 1-1 in the second half. Had it gone in it could have been a different story.

In truth that would have been harsh. On the face of it Boro edged possession and created the better chances against an in form Cardiff side who hammered Brighton 4-1 at the weekend.

Jordan Rhodes didn’t score and squandered some decent chances that fans would expect him to bury, following his £9 million move in January.

Even so the highly rated forward still found himself in the right positions and worked tirelessly to bring his teammates into the game. With more matches under his belt for his new side he will surely start finding the net like he has done at his previous clubs.

With Ben Gibson suspended and Daniel Ayala still out injured, Boro fans may have been concerned about an inexperienced back line which saw Tomas Kalas and 18-year-old Dael Fry start as the two centre backs.

Yet the pair performed admirably, winning header after header against giant Cardiff forward Lex Immers.

The first chance of the evening fell to the hosts when Rhodes, who was making his first start at the Riverside, headed Emilio Nsue’s cross in to the ground and into the gloves of City keeper David Marshall.

Rhodes received another opportunity minutes later, when the lively Adomah pounced on a loose pass from Bruno Ecuele Manga and released the striker through on goal. However his finish was skewed and some way off target.

Cardiff took the lead in the 20^th minute, when set piece specialist Peter Whittingham delivered a corner from the left which was only half cleared.

Even so no one in the ground would have expected what happen next, as Fabio - surely the most unlikely scorer on the pitch excluding the two goalkeepers - took a touch and rifled the ball into the top corner with an exquisite volley.

Boro’s response was imminent and four minutes later they were back on level terms. Once again Adomah set up Rhodes, whose clever dip of the shoulder helped him deceive Manga and try his luck at goal.

His low effort was saved by Marshall but popped up allowing Ramirez to head the ball back towards goal. In the meantime Connolly had taken up a good position on the goal line and looked set to clear; instead he kicked the ball into his own arm and sent the ball into his own net. It was the slice of luck Boro needed.

The hosts continued look more assured on the ball but were given a wakeup call when Anthony Pilkington cut inside onto his right foot, but dragged his shot wide.

Rhodes then missed a golden chance when Nsue cut the ball back to him, but the Scotland international cleared the cross bar. Moments later his header from Adomah’s cross hit the target but Marshall saved.

Boro had Konstantopulos to thank at the start of the second half when he kept out Immers powerful header. At the other end Marshall denied Stewart Downing before Boro took control.

On 63 minutes Adomah’s cross caused havoc in the Cardiff area. Eventually it dropped to Ramirez, who calmly tucked the ball home.

The Uruguayan was involved again when he won a penalty on 80 minutes. Grant Leadbitter has a great record from the spot, but this time Marshall guessed correctly and saved low to his right.

It didn’t matter, as three minutes later Ramirez broke on the counter attack and fed the ball to Adomah. The Ghanaian winger then picked out Nugent who tucked the ball home to put Boro’s promotion challenge back on track.

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulsos   7.5- Made two fantastic saves, one of which came at 1-1

George Friend   6.5- Looked a bit off the pace in the opening minutes but grew into the game on his return

Dael Fry   7.5- Showed remarkable maturity for an 18-year-old at the back

Tomas Kalas   7.5- Assured performance at centre back where he has looked uncomfortable in the past

Emilio Nsue   7.5- Linked up well with Adomah on the right

Grant Leadbitter   6- Gave the ball away a couple of times, but work rate couldn’t be questioned

Adam Forshaw   7.5- Added attacking instincts into the midfield as he looked to move the ball forward

Albert Adomah   8.5- Full of energy and drive, put dangerous crosses into the box all game

Stewart Downing   6- Showed flashes of his quality but dipped in and out of the match

Gaston Ramirez   8.5- Was involved in all three goals, added quality in the final third

Jordan Rhodes   6.5- Movement caused the City defence problems but finishing let him down, it should come soon enough

Subs

David Nugent   7- Came on for the last 17 minutes and got on the score sheet

Cristhian Stuani – Came on for the last seven minutes, unfair to give a fair rating

Julien De Sart – Came on for the last minute, unfair to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Albert Adomah

Middlesbrough v Cardiff Preview

Aitor Karanka believes that tonight’s planned tribute for BBC Tees commentator Ali Brownlee can be a ‘good motivation for the team’

Brownlee tragically passed away last Monday just months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Since then thousands of fans have gathered outside the Riverside to pay their respects to the much-loved commentator, who was known as the ‘Voice of the Boro’ for 34 years.

Tonight’s game at home to Cardiff will be the first at the Riverside since Brownlee’s passing, and Karanka hopes that the team can respond after a run of five league games without a win.

‘The only thing we can do is say thanks’ said the Boro boss. ‘Everything we can do is not enough for him (Brownlee), we had an ambition to get to the Premier League and now it is even bigger’.  

Karanka also expressed that his team’s week break in Marbella, due to not being involved in the FA Cup, has given the side a beneficial break and allowed the new signings to settle into the squad.

‘In January we had a few changes to the team and for that reason I wanted to work with them, sometimes it’s difficult here with the weather but we worked really well and for that reason I am really pleased’.

Team News

Karanka remained tight-lipped on fitness of defenders George Friend and Daniel Ayala, but confirmed that if they were not 100% fit he had players who could replace them.

That would be a wise decision considering Boro’s packed fixture list which sees them play eight games in April alone.

With that in mind 18-year-old Dael Fry could make his second successive start, after impressing in the centre back position at Leeds. However won’t partner Ben Gibson, who was sent off at Eland Road after picking up two yellow cards.

Dael Fry could make his second successive start
(Picture from www.mfc.co.uk)

Adam Clayton is also suspended after receiving his 10^th booking of the campaign in the same game. That will mean a reshuffle in midfield or could even prompt Karanka to change his preferred formation.

Cardiff midfielder Craig Noone has missed the last few weeks with a chest injury, while centre back Sean Morrison has been out for over a month. However he could be back in contention for his first start since December.

The Opposition

Cardiff appear to have put themselves back in contention for a play-off place following a resounding 4-1 victory over Brighton on Saturday.

They haven’t lost in their last six games, three of which were draws, and for the first time they are showing real signs of progress under manager Russell Slade.

They don’t have a prolific goal scorer. Midfielder Anthony Pilkington has their highest total, with six for the campaign and their goals have been spread throughout the team.

One To Watch

Peter Whittingham

Cardiff's Peter Whittingham
(Picture from i3.walesonline.co.uk)

The English midfielder has been a great servant for Cardiff ever since he signed for the Bluebirds back in 2007.

He has always been a threat from set plays and in Saturday’s victory over Brighton there were signs that, at 31-years-old, he has returned to his very best form.

He scored twice and claimed one assist on Saturday so Boro's backline, which has injury affected in recent weeks, will have to keep close tabs on the Cardiff play-maker.

Last Time Out

Cardiff 1 Middlesbrough 0

A late George Friend own goal settled a tight Tuesday night contest back in October, as Cardiff ended a run of three games without a win.

Joe Mason’s shot deflected off Friend with four minutes remaining, as Boro slipped down to sixth in the table.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Live)

Karanka said that he wouldn't risk the likes of Ayala and Friend if they weren't 100% fit, so you have to assume that they won't be exposed here.

Dael Fry showed his quality at Leeds and will have to do so again against an inform Cardiff side. 

Albert Adomah responded well after coming off the bench at Leeds, while Stewart Downing has performed best on the left. On that flank he can supply good crosses for Jordan Rhodes who should make his first start at the Riverside. 

Sunderland Under 21s Hold Off Boro At The Stadium Of Light

Sunderland U21s   3     Middlesbrough U21s   2

          Mandron 5, 81 Lawson  61                               Jakupovic 67, 89 (Pen)                                    

Middlesbrough’s Under 21s lost to local rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, as the Black Cats kept up the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the Barclays U21 Premier League.

Boro’s team, which included the likes of Rhys Williams and Alex Baptiste, put up a decent fight against a side who sit a comfortable second in the league standings.

Mikael Mandron heads Sunderland ahead after 5 minutes
(Picture from the Sunderland Echo)

Sunderland striker Mikael Mandron stole the show with two goals on the night, while Carl Lawson was also on target for the hosts in a 3-2 victory.

Boro threatened to stage a comeback when Arnel Jakupovic converted Harry Chapman’s well-weighted pass after 70 minutes to make it 2-1, though Mandron quickly restored Sunderland’s two goal lead.

Jakupovic’s penalty in stoppage time acted as mere consolation, after he was brought down inside the area by centre back Tom Beadling.

It was the Black Cats’ first victory for three games after losing 1-0 to PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League International Cup earlier this month.

In that unwelcomed run Andy Welsh’s side also failed to score. However any lingering concerns in front of were quickly banished here, as the raced ahead after just five minutes.

George Honeyman’s cross from the left evaded the stagnant Boro defence and was met at the far post by Mandron, who directed a swooping header past Joe Fryer in the Boro goal.

It was a pattern of play which continued throughout the first half as the host, especially Rees Greenwood, made the most of the space provided down the left channel.

Five minutes after Sunderland’s opener, Greenwood almost doubled the hosts’ advantage when he charged down the wing before cutting inside onto his right foot and firing just wide.

From the same side Honeyman set up Mandron again on 14 minutes, though this time the Frenchman’s header lacked the same prowess or conviction.

After a tricky opening spell Boro began to settle, with Chapman and Jordan Jones providing decent outlets on the wings.

On 20 minutes Jakupovic blazed his effort over after a set piece situation. Minutes later Jones forced the first save from Sunderland keeper Maksymilian Stryjek, who turned a low shot wide.

Even so Sunderland continued to apply the greater pressure and Fryer was called into action to deny Liam Agnew and Martin Smith before half time.

Sunderland’s second of the night came 12 minutes after the restart, after a neat passing move from a side that have lit up this division on many occasion this season.

A lot has been said about Duncan Watmore’s recent promotion to the first team, after originally impressing at this level. Then last Saturday Honeyman started on the bench against Manchester United after his impressive displays.  If this goal was anything to go by then 21-year-old Lawson could be the next to make the breakthrough.

After some good work from his team mates to work the ball to the edge of the area, he quickly shifted the ball onto his right foot before bending the ball past Fryer, who could do nothing but watch.

Boro responded and injected some life back into the contest with a swift counterattacking goal. Chapman is another player who has had plenty of hype surrounding him in recent weeks, after he was named the league’s player of the month in November.

Here the 18-year-old showed the reasoning behind his increased attention. With 20 minutes to go he burst through the middle pitch before showing composure to pick out Jakupovic, who finished well on his right foot.  

Boro huffed and puffed but were undone five minutes from time when Mandron lashed the ball low into the far corner from close range.

Jakupovic added another goal to his tally from the spot, but it was too little too late. It means that Sunderland remain two points off the top spot after United also won, in contrast Boro are 10^th in the table after six league games without a win.

Rhodes Rescues A Point As Boro Draw At MK Dons

MK Dons    1        Middlesbrough    1

                          Bowditch 9                                     Rhodes 90+4

Jordan Rhodes came off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser for his new club Middlesbrough, who moved top of the table despite a 1-1 draw away at MK Dons.

Dean Bowditch’s ninth minute opener appeared to have sealed all three points for the hosts, who moved three points clear of the relegation zone following this result.

Jordan Rhodes celebrates his first Boro goal
(Picture from The Sun)

After the match Dons manager Karl Robinson claimed his side should have had a penalty when Tomas Kalas brought down Josh Murphy inside the area but referee Andy Davies waved play on. 

Rhodes’s equaliser was his first goal for Boro since his deadline day move from Blackburn. This was only his second appearance for his new club, after he came off the bench against Blackburn on Saturday.

The draw moves Boro a point clear of second place Hull at the top of the table, though that is now four league games without a win for Aitor Karanka’s side.

The visitors started poorly and fell behind inside 10 minutes when Bowditch latched on to Kyle Mcfadzean’s forward pass, before squeezing the ball under Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos.

Boro responded but Cristhian Stuani’s effort was saved by the legs of David Martin, before Murphy’s penalty appeal was turned down at the other end.

After the break David Nugent passed up a glorious opportunity to draw the sides’ level, when the Boro striker dragged his effort wide with just the keeper to beat.

Full back Ritchie De Laet then had his shot blocked on the line, after Gaston Ramirez’s effort was saved by Martin. The Dons keeper also kept out Grant Leadbitter’s header minutes later.

Dons came close to doubling their lead when Murphy tried his luck from range but Konstantopulos tipped the ball over the bar.

Boro equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time when De Laet’s cross from the left was met by a leaping header from Rhodes. The ball clipped off the head of Dons defender Joe Walsh before looping over Martin and into the net, as Boro escaped with a valuable point.

MK Dons v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka admitted he is ready to make 'a few' changes ahead of tonight’s game away at MK Dons, but remained tight-lipped on whether Jordan Rhodes would make his first start for the club.

The Boro boss was disappointed that he didn’t see a reaction from his players in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn, which was their third league game without a win. However he insisted there is still no pressure on his side, who are still in a ‘privileged position’

Karanka defended his decision not to start Rhodes, who signed from Blackburn for nine million pounds on transfer deadline day. ‘Players who are here deserve to play as we are in this position because of them.’

When asked about Boro’s dip in form, Karanka said it could be down to a number of reasons including the transfer window and cup fixtures, which have forced games to be rearranged.

In preparation for tonight’s game he said that he would like another week or 10 days to recover after Saturday’s draw, however he also expressed that it could be a positive as players can ‘lose intensity’ with too many days off.

Team News 

Boro's Daniel Ayala will miss the game
(Picture from smimg.net)

Karanka confirmed that Daniel Ayala will miss the game after the defender was forced off with a ankle injury before half time on Saturday.

The Boro boss confirmed that he will make a few changes to his side so Jordan Rhodes and Gaston Ramirez could be in line for their first starts.  Midfielders Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton are both on 9 yellow cards for the season so would face a two-game ban if they pick up one more.

Striker Alex Revell could make his debut for The Dons after signing from Cardiff in the January transfer window.

Carl Baker, Ben Reeves and Matt Upson remain out with long term injuries, apart from that manager Karl Robinson should have a full strength squad to pick from.

The Opposition

As expected The Dons are struggling near the bottom of the table following their promotion from League One last season, and are only two points clear of the bottom three.

In his five year spell at the club, Dons manager Karl Robinson has done a good job on a tight budget and is a well-respected as one of England’s young, up and coming managers.

The Dons have struggled for goals this campaign. Josh Murphy, on loan from Norwich is their top scorer with six goals this season, and he scored The Dons’ last league goal in a 3-1 defeat to Bolton.

After a decent cup run, which ended with a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, Dons have had to refocus on their league campaign. Their last victory was a 1-0 win over Reading on January 16. Tonights game follows a goalless draw away at Cardiff on Saturday.

MK Dons' Sam Carruthers
(Picture from zimbio.com)

One To Watch

Samir Carruthers

The 22-year-old Irishman has featured in 27 of The Dons’ 29 league games this season and can play across the midfield, wide or behind the striker.

He is one of The Dons’ most creative players and has five assists in the league. He can also be a threat from set plays.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 2 MK Dons 0

It was the first ever meeting between the two sides when they met at the Riverside back in September.  Dons defended well for 70 minutes, even if there was a bit of time wasting, and could have taken the lead when Simon Church hit the post on the counter attack.

A moment of quality from Stewart Downing finally broke the deadlock when he cut in from the right and curled a left foot shot into the top corner. David Nugent doubled Boro's lead 11 minutes later.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from gazettelive.co.uk)

Karanka said he will make 'a few' changes for this game and I agree that the team needs freshening up a bit.

I think the back four picks its self due to injuries, and I would like to see Forshaw given a chance as I believe he gives us more creativity going forward, even though the Leadbitter- Clayton partnership has been immense this season.

I would like to see Stuani get a run through the middle and Downing on the wing as I believe they are their best positions. This has to be the time to unleash Jordan Rhodes after his much anticipated move.

Nugent Rescues A Point As Rhodes Makes Brief Camio

Middlesbrough    1        Blackburn    1

                                  Nugent 78                                          Gomez 72

Not even the guy on the Middlesbrough tannoy could get it right, as Boro recorded their third game without a win after a one all draw with Blackburn.

Over 26,000 were present at the Riverside anticipating a first glimpse of their new signing Jordan Rhodes, who started on the bench against his former club.

Nugent's late header salvaged a point for the hosts
(Picture from dailymail.co.uk)

With 14 minutes to go and with Boro trailing by a goal to nil the £9 million striker’s introduction was imminent, but the man behind the microphone had clearly missed most of transfer deadline day, and the past few months for that matter, as he introduced the forward as “Jason Rhodes”. Oh dear, what a clanger.

It did get a bit better for Boro as David Nugent managed to cancel out Jordi Gomez’s opener with a header 11 minutes from time.

However the PR announcement summed up, what was a rather bleak day for the hosts, who failed to test ex-goalkeeper Jason Steele in the Blackburn goal until the final few minutes.

Rhodes wasn’t the only new arrival who started on the bench and was joined on the side-lines by Gaston Ramirez, as Aitor Karanka opted to try and force a reaction from those who had been a bit off the boil in recent weeks.

The surprise inclusion was that of Kike Sola, who signed on loan from Athletic Bilbao earlier in the window, however apart from picking up an early booking, the Spanish forward was largely ineffective and withdrawn at half time for Cristhian Stuani.

This was another occasion where Boro lacked that creative spark up front, and when in possession their forward players seemed to lack the movement and verve to worry a side lingering down in 18th.

After selling Rhodes to Boro, Rovers manager Paul Lambert talked about building a team with the money which had been accumulated.

The visitors certainly gave a good account of themselves; however Boro defenders would have been much happier to see the likes of Danny Graham and Tony Watt leading the visitors’ line rather than a man who has scored over 20 goals in the last three seasons. Even so he wasn’t much use sat on Boro’s bench.

There was an anxiety around the Riverside, a sudden unease, which has only just emerged in recent weeks due to the drop off in form.

The Teessiders are still level on points with leaders Hull but are now only one point clear of third place Burnley, though Karanka’s side have two games in hand on the Clarets.

The first of which comes on Tuesday night when they take on the MK Dons away from home, Boro may have to make the trip without influential centre back Daniel Ayala who limped off with an injury before half time.

Karanka made just two changes from the side which lost to Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago. Ritchie De Laet replaced the injured George Friend and was an energetic figure up and down the right flank. Further forward Stuani made way for Sola, a change with was reversed at half time.

Rovers were without a league win in seven games coming into this match, nevertheless they threatened to open the scoring after 14 minutes when Darragh Lenihan tried his luck from range but fired a low shot straight at Dimi Konstantopulos.

Minutes later the ball was in the net when Elliott Ward headed in a free kick only to be ruled offside. That was an indicator for what was to come, and despite Boro’s possession it was the visitors who should have taken the lead.

A rare mix up between Ayala and Ben Gibson allowed Watt to slip into the box where he sliced a shot wide. For those who think they recognise the name but don’t know where from, this was the striker who scored the second goal when Celtic famously beat Barcelona four years ago.

Rovers continued to create the better changes.  Just before the half hour mark Gibson was forced to block Gomez’s shot. Boro’s first effort on goal came in the 31^st minute when Grant Leadbitter dragged his effort low and wide.

Ayala picked up his injury when challenging for a header in the opposition’s box, he tried to run it off but couldn’t continue until half time so was replaced by Tomas Kalas.

Stuani’s introduction meant Karanka had used two of his three substitutes at the half way point, though there were signs of improvements after the break.   

Downing made a run to the by-line but delivered his cross behind Nugent, who was waiting in the box. From the other wing Nsue curled an inviting cross onto the head of Stuani, but the Uruguayan headed over.  

On 72 minutes the hosts failed to clear their lines on a number of occasions and were punished when the ball finally dropped to Gomez on the edge of the area, before the Spaniard swept a low shot into the bottom corner.

Boro responded six minutes later when Nsue’s cross was nodded in by Nugent at the back post. In a grandstand finish both sides had chances to win it and the best fell to Rovers midfielder Hope Akpan, however the Nigerian snatched his effort wide.

Player Ratings  

Dimi Konstantopulos   6 – Didn’t have many shots to deal with

Emilio Nsue   7 – Put some decent crosses into the box, one of which resulted in the goal

Daniel Ayala   6- Forced off before half time

Ben Gibson   6.5 – Brought confidence back into the defence after time out

Richie De Laet   7- Made some decisive runs down the left wing

Adam Clayton   6- Broke up play out of possession, but didn’t create much going forward

Grant Leadbitter   6- Made a few decent passes, but nothing which led to a real chance

Albert Adomah   5- Rarely beat his full back

Stewart Downing   6- Looked more affective on the left, when he could put crosses into the box

Kike Sola   5- Subbed at half time after ineffective debut

David Nugent   6.5- Persisted and got his goal towards the end

Subs

Tomas Kalas   6.5 – Slotted comfortably into the defence

Cristhian Stuani   5.5- Missed a decent chance with a header

Jordan Rhodes – Only on for the last 14 minutes, unfair to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Richie De Laet

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Preview

The most impressive aspect of Jordan Rhodes’ first interview as a Middlesbrough player was just how level-headed he was for a player, who until the late hours of Monday’s deadline day, didn’t know where his future was going to lie.

If Boro fans were feeling anxious about whether they would finally sign the man who has been the Championship’s most prolific striker in recent seasons, then spare a thought for Rhodes himself who had to travel up and down the M6 like there was no tomorrow.

But at last he is here. It took £9 million, plus adds ons, to secure his services, but if the Scotland international can score the goals to fire Boro to the riches Premier League then it will be money well spent.

Rhodes has scored over 20 goals in his last three seasons for Blackburn, who he could ironically make his debut against this weekend, and is as prolific as the come at Championship level.

However as he was unveiled to the press for the first time in Boro red, he appeared remarkably relaxed and stress free, not to mention humble saying ‘, I’ll just try and do the best I can for the team, my main focus is to get myself in the team, there is an abundance of talent here’

He’s certainly not wrong, and Boro’s formidable squad has propelled then to second in the league after 27 games. However they are still missing a consistent goal scorer, a position Rhodes will be expected to fill.

Aitor Karanka expressed that Rhodes will be available to face his former club in tomorrow’s 3.00pm kick-off, however the Boro boss has had a policy in the past to leave a new arrival on the bench for a game or two.

‘One week ago we had an amazing squad,’ said the Spaniard. ‘Now we have an even better squad’

He also thought that the transfer window came at ‘the perfect moment’ following back to back defeats against Bristol City and Nottingham Forest and that he has had a chance ‘to realise the problems’ which has seen his side slip to second in the table

Team News  

Boro missed centre back Ben Gibson in their last two defeats but the he could return after a hip injury to partner regular defensive partner Daniel Ayala.

Boro's Ben Gibson (Picture from Gazettelive)

George Friend will be out for about 4 weeks with a shoulder injury so new loan signing Richie De Laet could take his place. Fellow new arrivals Rhodes and Gaston Ramirez could also make their debuts.

Rovers acquired midfielder Jordi Gomez ,on loan until the end of the season, on deadline day and the Spaniard will be expected to make his debut at the Riverside.

Ex-Boro striker Danny Graham is also available, as is former goalkeeper Jason Steele. Midfielder Hope Akpan is doubtful with a knee injury.

The Opposition

After Rhodes’ departure recently appointed manager Paul Lambert talked about spending the money to rebuild a squad, which is still struggling to come to terms after being relegated in 2012.

Lambert enjoyed a good start to his career at Rovers and his side were unbeaten after  his first five games. However they have dropped off since then and have slipped down to 18^th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone, after a run of seven games without a win.

With Rhodes gone they will be looking for new players to step up and be counted in the months ahead.

Blackburn's Ben Marshall
(Picture from zimbio.com)

One To Watch

Ben Marshall

The Blackburn winger is only 24 but has plenty of experience in the Championship. He has played 86 games for Rovers since signing for them in 2013 and before that he made 56 appearances for Leicester, while the foxes were in the second tier.

Due to shortages at the back Marshall has been deployed as a full back in recent weeks, however he is a threat from set pieces and can provide an attacking outlet from wide areas.

Last Time Out

Blackburn 0 Middlesbrough 0

This should be the second meeting between these sides this season, however the game at Ewood Park has now been rescheduled for March 1 due to a waterlogged pitch on Boxing Day.

That means the last meeting between these sides was back on December 28 in 2014 at Blackburn when the sides played out a goalless draw. Boro had the better chances but were denied by a number 

of saves from Rovers keeper Simon Eastwood who was later named man of the match. 

Team I Would Play

Team I would play for Middlesbrough v Blackburn

On this occasion I would start the likes of Rhodes and Ramirez on the bench to show that it's not just a given for them to walk straight into the team. It should also give some of the players, who have underperformed in recent few weeks, a kick up the backside, knowing that there are now proven replacements ready to step in.