Carroll Double Sinks Boro

Middlesbrough   1    West Ham   3

Stuani  27                                                Carroll  9, 45

                                                                Calleri  90

Middlesbrough missed an opportunity to sneak away from the clutches of relegation zone after a 3-1 home defeat to West Ham.

Two goals from Hammers striker Andy Carroll, either side of Cristhian Stuani’s equaliser, inflicted the damage on Aitor Karanka’s as Boro’s winless run was extended to five games.

The hosts dominated possession after the interval but were unable to make a breakthrough before substitute Jonathan Calleri added a third in stoppage time.

Karanka threw on January recruits Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford with ten minutes to go, however it proved too little too late on a miserable day at the Riverside.

Boro’s shyness in front of goal has been well documented in recent weeks and they remain the lowest scorers in the division with just 18 goals.

For all their possession, they managed just two shots on target here, and there were long spells of sideways and backwards passing - much to the frustration of the home fans.

Yet, the worrying thing for Karanka will be how his side conceded three goals for only the third time this season.

Boro’s often sturdy backline was breached after just nine minutes when Manuel Lanzini’s corner was powerfully headed home by Carroll, who had been presented with a clear run at goal inside the host’s penalty area.

Karanka had made two changes from the side which played out the goalless draw at Watford last weekend, yet more significantly the Boro boss switched back to his preferred 4-3-3 formation which he has deployed for most of the campaign.

Calum Chambers was moved across to right back while Ben Gibson and Bernardo Espinosa started in the heart of defence.

That meant Fabio dropped to the bench along with captain Grant Leadbitter, as Adam Clayton and Adama Traore were recalled.

Slaven Bilic made just one alteration after West Ham’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, it saw Sam Byram replace James Collins in defence.

Boro had looked vulnerable down their right-hand side, where the chemistry between Traore and Chambers was clearly lacking when the hosts were defending.

However, the pair combined well to create Boro’s equaliser on 27 minutes, when Traore released the overlapping Chambers, who then had time to pick out Stuani at the back post, before the Uruguayan forward duly converted from close range.

The hosts had momentum after that, however brief lapse in concentration proved fatal two minutes before half time.

Michail Antonio’s skimming shot from the edge of the area was only parried by Boro keeper Victor Valdes and Carroll was the quickest to react, stabbing the ball into an unguarded net.

Valdes perhaps could have done better but the goal scorer was alert and earned his reward.

Boro attempted to go on the attack after the break, however they were disrupted when West Ham captain Mark Noble was forced off injured and replaced by Edimilson Fernandes.

The visitors almost doubled their lead when Antonio headed wide before Lanzini fired an effort straight at Valdes moments later.

At the other end Marten De Roon forced the Hammers keeper Darren Randolph into a flying save following Traore’s cross from the right.

Karanka’s side continued to push forward but when Alvaro Negredo’s cut-back deflected off West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell and on to the crossbar, you got the feeling that it just wasn’t going to be Boro’s day.

With ten minutes to go Karanka finally called for the cavalry by introducing Bamford, who received a warm welcome, and Gestede.

It was the latter who almost drew Boro level with a spectacular volley which flew inches wide two minutes from time.

Boro were then undone on the counter attack when Calleri sealed the victory in stoppage time, prompting the fans to head for the exits.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes   5- Possibly could have done better with the second goal which he parred in front of Carroll.

Calum Chambers   6.5- Looked good going forward but a little vulnerable defensively at right back.

Bernardo Espinosa   6- Made a few important interceptions but his distribution let him down at times.

Ben Gibson   6.5- Organised the defence throughout

George Friend   7- Threw himself into areal duels with Carroll and often came out on top.

Adam Clayton   6- Gave protection to the back four but made a few loose passes.

Marten De Roon   7- Full of energy, making tackles and interceptions in the middle of the park.

Adam Forshaw   6- A few too many touches on the ball as Boro struggled to break West Ham down.

Adama Traore   6- Some good bursts forward but faded in the second half and often received the ball in areas too deep to make an impact.

Cristhian Stuani   7- Showed good instinct to score the goal, looked to get in the box and add an extra goal threat.

Alvaro Negredo   6- Often received the ball with his back to goal, a couple of clever flicks to link up play.

Subs

Patrick Bamford – Came on with 10 minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating.

Rudy Gestede - Came on with nine minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating.

Boro Hang On To Take A Point At Watford

Watford   0    Middlesbrough   0

Watford were left to rue a series of second half chances as they were held to a goalless draw with Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road.

Walter Mazzarri’s side have now gone six games without a win and have picked up just two points since their victory over Everton at the start of December.

They should have stopped the rot here, however, against a Boro side who offered little going forward and showed just why they are the lowest scorers in the division.

In the end Aitor Karanka will be more than happy with a point, especially with back-to-back home games against West Ham and West Brom up next.

The visitors more than rode their luck in the final few minutes against the Hornets, as substitute Tom Cleverley hit the post with 10 minutes to go.

Moments later captain Troy Deeney wasted an even better opportunity when he was sent through one-on-one with Victor Valdes- only for the Boro keeper to come out on top.

Karanka throw a curveball with his team selection, as the Boro boss elected to deploy a 5-3-2 formation for the first time this season.

The Spaniard made four changes from the side which conquered Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last weekend, with Victor Valdes, Fabio, Ben Gibson, and Adam Forshaw all returning.

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri also made alterations after his side’s 2-0 victory over Burton in the cup.

The hosts also lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, though they have played that way for most of the campaign.

Stefano Okaka returned from a hamstring injury and the Italian international was a constant thorn in Boro’s side all afternoon.

The visitors started on the front foot, maintaining possession for long spells and keeping Watford at arm’s length.

The first chance fell to the Hornets, though, when the ball ricocheted off Boro defender Calum Chambers and fell perfectly for Étienne Capoue.

The French midfielder only had Valdes to beat however the Boro keeper did well to spread himself and managed to avert the danger.

Boro’s change in formation allowed Karanka to deploy two upfront, as Alvaro Negredo and Christian Stuani led the line.

The pair nearly combined to conjure up the game’s first goal, when Negredo nodded down Grant Leadbitter’s cross and Stuani stabbed the ball home. However, the Uruguayan striker had strayed into an offside position.

After that it was Watford who began to take the game by the scruff of the neck, as Boro struggled to cope with the floated balls up to the towering figures of Okaka and Deeney.

Valdes was called into action again to deny Okaka on 26 minutes. Moments later, Chambers was forced to make a crucial clearance which would have presented Abdoulaye Doucoure with a tap-in.

Both sides went close in the first five minutes of the second half, as Okaka tested Valdes again before Fabio stung the palms of Heurelho Gomes at the other end.

In the 72^nd minute there was a minutes applause for the former Watford and England manager Graham Taylor, who passed away at the age of 72 earlier this week.

In the closing stages, there only looked like being one winner as Watford piled on the pressure.

Cleverley, who was making his first appearance for Watford since signing on loan, came off the bench and almost made an instant impact when he slid a shot against the post from Deeney’s flick-on.

The Watford captain could have won it himself when Boro defenders Chambers and Ben Gibson collided, allowing Deeney to go through on goal against Valdes.

Once again Boro were indebted to their valiant keeper. It was only because of him that they escaped with a point.

Watford v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough will switch their attentions back to the Premier League on Saturday afternoon for a pivotal ‘six pointer’ away to Watford.

Aitor Karanka’s side are just three points behind the Hornets, who have picked up just one point in their last five league games and have plummeted down the table after a promising start to the campaign.

A victory for Boro would send them above Watford in the table due to a superior goal difference, as well as mount more manager on their manager Walter Mazzarri, who became the Hornets’ eighth manager in the space of four years when he was appointed in the summer.

Even so Karanka is taking nothing for granted ahead of a crucial game, especially after Watford beat Boro in the reverse fixture at the Riverside back in October.

“Sometimes, they can be more dangerous because they need the points,” said the Boro boss.

“They are playing at home, and they are an experienced Premier League team with an experienced coach and players who have played across Europe,” he added.

“If we go to Watford thinking it will be an easy game because they are vulnerable, then we are making a mistake. If we think about ourselves, we can do something.”

Team News

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes and winger Viktor Fischer could return to the Boro side after overcoming knee injuries.

However right back Antonio Barragan and midfielder Gaston Ramirez have both been ruled out.

Centre back Daniel Ayala will serve the first of his three-game ban after receiving a straight red card against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last weekend.

Watford could welcome back Juan Zuniga, Valon Behrami and Stefano Okaka after the trio missed games over the busy Christmas period.

Keeper Heurelho Gomes and defender Jose Holebas are available again after recovering from illnesses.

The Opposition

Watford’s last win came on December 10, when a 3-2 victory at home to Everton moved Walter Mazzarri’s side up to seventh in the table.

The Hornets’ strong start to the campaign came as something of a shock to some, after they appointed another foreign manager with little Premier League experience in the summer.

Yet Mazzarri - Watford’s eight manager in the space of four years - made an admirable start in England and within a month his side had recorded a memorable home victory over Manchester United.

That remains the highlight of their season so far, and in recent weeks the men in yellow have found things a little trickier.

Since the Everton result, Mazzarri’s side have lost away at Sunderland, been held at home to Crystal Palace, been hammered by Tottenham and crumbled at Stoke.

After picking up just one point in five games, Watford have dropped down to 14^th in the league and if their form doesn’t improve soon they could quickly be dragged into a relegation battle.

One To Watch

Stefano Okaka

After signing for Watford in the summer, Okaka has struggled to nail down a first team place at Vicarage Road due to several injuries.

However, the Italian international did score his first two goals for the Hornets in the 3-2 victory over Everton on December 10.

He is quick, strong and can be a constant pest for defenders, so Boro must keep an eye on him if he plays.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 0 Watford 1 16/10/2016

Jose Holebas’ stunning strike was the difference when the sides met at the Riverside earlier this season.

The Greek defender produced a rare piece of quality on a dreary Sunday afternoon, when his fizzing effort ten minutes after the restart flew into the top corner.

The hosts never really looked like equalising after that, as Aitor Karanka’s side dropped down to 17^th in the table.

Two Late Goals Deny Boro At Old Trafford

Middlesbrough came within five minutes of a memorable victory away at Manchester United only to be denied by two late goals.

Like against Arsenal and Manchester earlier in the campaign, Boro showed they can be more than a match for the Premier League’s elite and Aitor Karanka’s side moved to the brink of famous victory when Grant Leadbitter gave the visitors a shock lead on 67 minutes.

Yet after a series of near misses, a disallowed goal, and a catalogue of saves from Boro goalkeeper Victor Valdes, United finally made a breakthrough courtesy of Anthony Martial’s finish five minutes from time.

Less than 60 seconds later the hosts scored a dramatic second when Paul Pogba headed home Juan Mata’s cross, flipping the contest on its head.

It meant a sixth straight win for Jose Mourinho’s side and the United boss was full of praise for his former protégée, Karanka, who was the Portuguese’s assistant for three years at Real Madrid.

Karanka had vowed to make changes to his side, in an attempt to stifle his former mentor.

The Spaniard certainly shocked a few with his team selection, as centre back Bernardo Espinosa was drafted in to make his debut while Leadbitter made his first start of the season after a lengthy injury.

Boro rode their luck early on, as Pogba saw an audacious overhead kick rebound off the post before Martial clattered the woodwork minutes later.

United should have taken the lead when Zlatan Ibrahimović stabbed the ball beyond Valdes midway through the first half, however referee Lee Mason wrongly disallowed the goal for a high boot.

Boro defended valiantly and took their chance when Leadbitter broke forward from midfield before slotting home a clever knock-down from Alvaro Negredo.

However, as the visitor’s legs began to tire, United continued to probe and press with increasingly urgency.

In the 85^th minute a penetrating pass from Pogba was headed into Martial’s path by Ibrahimović and the Frenchman made no mistake from close range.

Moments later Pogba became the match winner, as Boro’s hearts were broken.