Middlesbrough 0 Watford 1
Holebas 54
Ponderous in possession, toothless in attack, it’s worrying
combination which is costing Middlesbrough at the Riverside this season and
they are still yet to win on home turf this campaign.
The latest setback: a 1-0 home defeat to Watford which
leaves Aitor Karanka’s side a scarcely outside the relegation zone, only
outside the bottom three on goal difference with a trip to Arsenal scheduled
next weekend.
Only be eight games have passed since the start of the season,
but this was a real indication that Boro have plenty of work to do if they are
to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Jose Holebas' accomplished strike after 54 minute was the
difference here, yet Boro never looked like responding, conjuring up just three
shots on target all afternoon.
In contrast, a third win of the season moves Watford into
the top half of the table, following a disciplined well-drilled away performance.
Boro didn’t ask their three-man defence of Younès Kaboul, Sebastian
Prödl and Miguel Britos too many questions, yet they defended robustly.
Walter Mazzarri’s side were far more proactive and direct compared
to their hosts and despite only recording 36 per cent possession, they posed a greater
threat on the break.
Alvaro Negredo was one of two changes that Karanka made
following Boro’s 1-1 with West Ham a fortnight ago, yet the burly forward was anonymous
for most of the afternoon.
Gaston Ramirez also returned to the starting eleven and almost opened the
scoring after just six minutes, however the Uruguayan dragged his tame effort past
Heurelho Gomes’s far post.
Mazzarri also made two alterations following his side’s 2-2 draw
at home Bournemouth before the international break. Britos and Isaac
Success came into the side as Juan Zúñiga and Odion Ighalo dropped to the
bench.
That allowed the visitors to play an unorthodox 3-4-3
formation, with Holebas and Nordin Amrabat operating as wingbacks.
For the most part the visitors were comfortable without the
ball, as Boro struggled to break down their opponents when Watford assembled men
behind the ball.
Boro’s best effort of the opening half hour came courtesy of
a long range shot from Ben Gibson, whose low effort zipped wide.
The hosts also had a shout for a penalty when Negredo was brought
inside the area, however Watford’s back three dealt comfortably with the few
crosses into their box.
Mazzarri’s side also looked a threat on the break, with the
lively Success causing Antonio Barragan plenty of problems. The visitors almost
took the lead when Negredo headed a corner towards his own goal but it sailed
wide.
The home fans vented their frustration at referee, Rodger
East, at the half time whistle, after the man in charge had harshly booked Ramirez
and Gibson before the interval.
Boro did show signs of improvement at the start of the second
half and Adam Forshaw should have done better when he fired an effort straight at
Gomes. However, the midfielder was made to pay as Watford took the lead just
minutes later.
Cristhian Stuani, who had looked vulnerable on Boro’s right,
was beaten far too easily by Holebas after the ball had been half cleared. The
Greek defender then took one look at goal, before firing the ball high into the
near corner of Victor Valdes’ net.
In that vital spell Barragan struggled to deal with the pace
and power of Success. The defender was subsequently replaced by Daniel Ayala,
as Calum Chamber moved to right back.
Adama Traore was also introduced and added some much needed endeavour
into Boro’s attack. Even so Watford’s defence looked relatively untroubled.
East received more criticism from the stands after a number
of inconsistent decisions, and his inability to clamp down on some time wasting
from the Watford players.
Even so his interventions were no excuse and Boro got what
they deserved.
Player Ratings
Victor Valdes 5- Was
helpless to stop the goal but still fails to command his area with much
authority.
Antonio Barragan 4- Was
caught out on a number of occasions as Watford enjoyed success down their left
hand side.
Calum Chambers 6-
Justified his selection with some good interceptions.
Ben Gibson 7- Commanding
at the back and barely put a foot wrong against Troy Deeney.
George Friend 6- Reliable
at the back and made a couple of runs forward.
Adam Forshaw 6.5-
Boro’s most creative player, played some probing balls forward but his
teammates were unable to take advantage.
Marten De Roon 5- A few loose passes summed up a disjointed
performance.
Cristian Stuani 5- Wasteful
in the final third and was regularly beaten too easily on the right.
Stewart Downing 5-
Put some crosses into the box early on but went missing when Boro needed to
find an equaliser.
Gaston Ramirez 5- Worked
hard off the ball but failed to link the midfield and attack well enough.
Alvaro Negredo 5-
Was a cut adrift from most of the action and failed to produce anything when he
was found upfront.
Subs
Daniel Ayala 5- Came
on with 20 minutes to go, made a couple of clearances.
Adama Traore 6-
Livened the game by running at the opposition defence.
My Boro Man Of The Man: Ben Gibson
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