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.

Manchester United v Middlsbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka will come up against his old mentor José Mourinho when Middlesbrough travel to Manchester United on New Year’s Eve.

The Boro manager was Mourniho’s assistant for three years at Real Madrid but this is the first time that they will have faced each other as managers.

Karanka, who earned his first managerial job on Teesside three years ago, admitted that he is looking forward to facing his old master but said ‘for 90 minutes’ the pair must put their friendship to one side.

“The first game I looked for was the first game of the season, because it was our debut back in the Premier League,” said the Spaniard.

“But the second one was Man United. It will be a special moment for me and for my players.”

Karanka has always spoken extremely highly about Mourinho, who was appointed at Old Trafford in the summer following his departure from Chelsea.

“For me, I spent three amazing years with Jose at Real Madrid and I learnt something from him every day. He is one of the best in the world,” added Karanka

“But it’s football and the points are really important for us. For those 90 minutes, you can’t be friends.”

Even so, the Boro boss will still share a drink with his old friend after the match.

“We will share a glass of wine or beer after the game, but no doubt one of us will be happier than the other.”

Team News

Boro defender Antonio Barragan will miss his first game of the season after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Burnley.

That could mean a recall for George Friend who returned to training a couple of weeks ago.

Viktor Fischer remains out with a knee injury, which the Dane sustained before Christmas.

Wayne Rooney missed United’s victory over Sunderland on Boxing Day and remains a doubt with a thigh injury.

Luke Shaw will also be absent, though Mourinho revealed that the defender is "not far" away from a return.

The Opposition

United have clawed their way back into contention for a Champions League spot after a run of five victories in a row.

Things didn’t go to plan for Mourinho earlier in the season, after United lost the Manchester derby which was immediately followed by a shock defeat to Watford.

A couple of weeks later, Mourniho was humbled by his former side Chelsea, who trounced United 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.

However, Mourinho is too good a manager and United too many good players to remain in a slump for the whole campaign.

Their switch to a 4-3-3 system, which has seen Michael Carrick return in midfield, has yielded more from record signing Paul Pogba, who has registered one goal and two assists in his last three games.

United have also tightened up their leaky defence, with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo forming an unlikely partnership at the back.

One To Watch

At 35, Ibrahimovic remains one of the hottest strikers in Europe and his goal in the 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Boxing Day took his league tally up to 12.

The potent Swede has scored four in his last three games and, with players behind him beginning to click, he is bound to bag a lot more this campaign.

Last Time Out

Manchester United 0 Middlesbrough 0 (1-3 on penalties) – 28/10/2016

Boro recorded a memorable upset when they visited Old Trafford last year, as they knocked Louis van Gaal’s side out of the League Cup.

Aitor Karanka’s men matched their hosts for 120 minutes before the game went to penalties in front of 10,000 traveling Boro fans.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missed, sending Boro through to the quarter-finals.

Late Gray Volley Sinks Boro

Burnley    1    Middlesbrough    0

                                      Gray 80

Middlesbrough were undone by a late Andre Gray volley as they suffered a 1-0 defeat away at Burnley on Boxing Day.

In a game which lacked obvious quality, referee Craig Pawson dished out 11 yellow cards in a match with saw more tackles than attempts on goal.

Even so, Boro appeared to be heading for an admirable point in the first top flight meeting between the sides for over 40 years.

That was until Gray’s winner 10 minutes from time, when the striker fired home Sam Vokes’ knock-down and the ball squired under Boro goalkeeper Victor Valdes – who should have done better.

The result means that Sean Dyche’s side have leapfrogged Boro in the Premier League table, yet Karanka’s men are still four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Boro boss made just one change from the side which convincingly beat Swansea at the Riverside eight days earlier, it saw  Cristhian Stuani replace the injured Viktor Fischer.

It was almost turned into an inspired decision and Stuani should have opened the scoring
with just 12 minutes on the clock.

The Uraguian forward was sent through on goal by Antonio Barragan’s pass. Stuani then allowed the ball to bounce before striking a shot on the half volley, however he failed to hit the target.

At the other end Valdes had to be alert to keep out efforts from Ashley Barnes and George Boyd but neither side was able to wrestle full control.

Boro did start better after the break, though keeper Tom Heaton remained relatively untrobled.

The visitors registered their first shot on target after 60 minutes when Ramirez curled a free kick straght at Heaton.

However, Burnley delivered a late sucker punch though Gray’s strike, as Boro slipped down to 15^th in the table.

Burnley v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is looking forward to facing another ‘direct rival’ when his side travel to Burnley on Boxing Day.

Boro moved up to 14^th in the table after beating Swansea last weekend, however the Teessiders are still just one point ahead of the Clarets, who sit two places behind Boro in the Premier League table.

The trip to Turf Moor will be Boro’s first game in a busy Christmas schedule, which will see Karanka’s men play three games in the space of eight days.

However, the Spaniard insists that his players are ready for the week ahead.

“This week has been a normal week, we’ve had more days to prepare after the last game (against Swansea) and everything is better.”

Karanka described the 3-0 victory over the Swans as his side’s “worst performance of the season” in his post-match press conference but the Spaniard believes that his side’s experience delivered a positive result.

“The main thing is to have that experience (in the Premier League), like against Swansea we weren’t at our best but we won the game.”

“In September or October we would have lost that game,” he added.

Team News

Boro will be without Viktor Fischer, who has started the last four games, after the Danish international suffered a knee injury against Swansea.

Karanka confirmed the winger will be side-lined for the next “two or three weeks.”

Burnley don’t have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their Christmas schedule.

Sean Dyche’s side will be without fullback  Matt Lowton, though, after the defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Tottenham.

The Opposition

Since their promotion to the Premier League, Burnley have relied significantly on their home form to stay away from the bottom three.

Sean Dyche’s side have accumulated 17 points after 17 games, one less than Boro, however 16 of those have come at Turf Moor.

Their only defeats on home turf have come against Arsenal and Manchester City, yet the Clarets dismal away form has left them just three points above the relegation zone.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Clarets, who have scored just 16 goals all campaign, that is the same number as Boro. Only Hull have registered less in the top flight.

Dyche’s side have dropped to 16^th in the table after back-to-back defeats to West Ham and Tottenham. Their last win came on 10 December when they recorded a significant 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.

One To Watch

Michael Keane

Keane earned his first England call up back in October and many have tipped the 23-year-old defender to make a permanent step-up to the national side.

Like Boro centre-half Ben Gibson, Keane has played all 17 league games since his side’s promotion to the Premier and the defender hasn’t looked out of place in England’s top flight.

Keane has made 143 clearances and 27 blocks in the first half of the campaign. He also chipped in with a goal in the Clarets 2-0 victory over Watford back in September.

Last Time Out

Burnley 1 Middlesbrough 1

Michael Keane’s header in injury-time rescued a point for Burnley when the sides met in a promotion six-pointer back in April.

A win for Boro would have put Aitor Karanka’s side within touching distance of promotion, and the visitors opened the scoring thanks to Jordan Rhode’s 70^th minute finish.

However, Keane’s late equaliser left the promotion race in the balance with three Championship games to go.

In the end both teams were promoted automatically.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

 I would make two changes from the 3-0 victory over Swansea. Viktor Fischer is injured so I would bring in Adama Traore, who provides pace and directness going forward.

As well as Fabio has done at left back, if George Friend is fully fit I would bring him back into the side after his excellent performances earlier in the season. 

  

Negredo Double Sees Off Swansea At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    3    Swansea    0

                                      Negredo 18 29 (Pen)

                                              De Roon 59

Middlesbrough climbed four points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Swansea at the Riverside.

Alvaro Negredo’s first half double gave Aitor Karanka’s side a commanding lead and visitors never looked like recovering when the Spanish striker netted his second with a 29^th minute penalty.

Marten De Roon added a third mid-way through the second half, sending Boro up to 14^th in the table ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.

The hosts started slowly, after Karanka had made one change from the side which lost 3-0 to Liverpool on Wednesday night.

It saw the influential Gaston Ramirez return in place of Adama Traore, who dropped to the bench.

However, Boro almost fell behind after just three minutes, when Gylfi Sigurdsson’s dipping effort was palmed away by Victor Valdes.

It took 18 nervy minutes before Boro finally adjusted to the situation and Karanka acknowledged the pressure that his players were under after the game.

The hosts took the lead when Adam Clayton made a rare burst forward and was fed by Ramirez’s pass. When Clayton reached the edge of the penalty area he checked back and delivered a low cross for Negredo, who lashed the ball home with a first-time finish.

The burly striker received an opportunity to add to his tally when his team mates caught Swansea off guard with a quick throw-in on 29 minutes.

Adam Forshaw used his initiative to charge into the Swansea penalty area, where he was bundled down by Jordi Amat’s weary challenge. Negredo made no mistake from the spot.

The visitors rarely threatened after that and their defence was breached again when De Roon poked home Ramirez’s inviting cross.

Valdes was forced to save Fernando Llorente’s late header but it was too little too late for the visitors.

Middlesbrough v Swansea Preview

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has urged his side to forget about Wednesday’s defeat to Liverpool and concentrate of this weekend’s ‘important’ clash against Swansea at the Riverside.

After back-to-back defeats, Boro sit 17^th in the league and are one place above the Swans, who have not won away from home since the opening day of the season.

Karanka admitted that Liverpool were “much better than us”, but the Spaniard believes that his side can recover ahead of their third game in the space of a week.

“Liverpool in the second half were much better than us,” said Karanka in his pre-match press conference.

“It was a really tough game but we have to forget about that and keep going.”

Boro are the lowest scorers in the league after 16 games with just 13 goals, but Karaka isn’t worrying about his side’s lack of goals.

“Playing the way that we are playing with our circumstances and creating chances we will score goals,” said Karanka.

He admitted that this Saturday’s game against a direct opponent will be a “really important”, however Karanka doesn’t want to put too much pressure on his players.

Despite conceding 12 goals in their last four games, the Swans have also scored nine and Karanka is warry of the threat that Saturday’s opponents could pose.

“The main thing for us is to try and be as organised as we can because they are a very dangerous side.

“We have to try and play like we did against Hull.”

Team News Left back George Friend could return for Boro after recovering from a knee injury.

Fellow defender Calum Chambers suffered a shoulder injury in the second half against Liverpool, however the centre half, on loan from Arsenal, has been passed fit to play.

Karanka also confirmed that Gaston Ramirez will face a late fitness test after missing the last two games with a foot problem.

Swansea Defender Federico Fernandez and midfielder Ki Sung-yueng are both doubtful with toe injuries. Both players missed their side’s defeat to West Brom on Wednesday

Even so, manager Bob Bradley has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Riverside.

The Opposition

After winning promotion from the Championship back in 2011, Swansea quickly established themselves as mid-table Premier League side. However, their top-flight status is under threat this campaign.

The Swans sold captain Ashley Williams and top scorer Andre Ayew in the summer and have struggled to replace them.

After picking up just four points in his first seven games, Italian manager Francesco Guidolin was sacked and immediately replaced by former USA manager Bob Bradley.

It was a tough start for the American, who failed to register a win in his first five games in charge.

Bradley’s first win was no ordinary one, as the Swans came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 5-4 in a Premier League classic.

Their form has been erratic since, losing 5-0 to Tottenham before beating Sunderland 3-0. On Wednesday night Swansea suffered a 3-1 defeat to West Brom, as they remained in the bottom three.

One to Watch

Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Icelandic playmaker has been Swansea’s most influential player by far this season.

Sigurdsson has been directly involved in 10 of Swansea’s 20 league goals this campaign, contributing with five goals and five assists.

He can create chances from deep and arrive late in the penalty area to add a goal threat. He is also extremely dangerous from set plays.

Last Time Out

Swansea 1 Middlesbrough 0 – 12/12/2012

An unfortunate own goal from Seb Hines nine minutes from time settled a League Cup quarter final four years ago.

Tony Mowbray’s Boro side had matched their Premier League opponents in a cagey game at the Liberty Stadium.

However, they were undone by a late corner when Hines glanced a header into his own net.

Liverpool Outclass Boro At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    0    Liverpool    3 

                                                             Lallana 29 68

                                                         Origi 60

Middlesbrough were outclassed and outplayed at the Riverside on Wednesday night, as Liverpool inflicted the Teessider’s heaviest defeat of the season.

Two goals from Adam Lallana, either side of a neat finish from Divock Origi, completed a comprehensive victory for the visitors, who moved back up to second in the Premier League table.

In total Boro managed just two shots on target, as Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who replaced the culpable Loris Karius, barely had a save to make.

Boro were boosted the return of striker Alvaro Negredo, however the potent Spaniard was left isolated upfront for most of the night as the hosts struggled to break out of their own half.

Negredo was one of two changes made by Boro manager Aitor Karanka after Boro’s 1-0 defeat away at Southampton on Sunday.

The other saw Adama Traore return to the side, as Jordan Rhodes dropped to the bench while Cristhian Stuani missed out altogether.

The early exchanges played out as many would have expected and despite being the away side Liverpool monopolised possession.

Boro’s game plan, as it was against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, consisted of getting men behind the ball and making themselves difficult to beat, while trying to pose a threat on the break.

Liverpool passed and probed but for 29 minutes Karanka’s men gave the visitors little space in the final third.

Eventually though, Klopp’s rampant side, who are the highest scorers in the league this season, made the breakthrough when Nathaniel Clyne found space on the right and the full-back’s cross was headed home by Lallana.

In contrast Boro are the division’s lowest scorers, with just 13 goals in 15 games. It was clear to see why, and even Liverpool’s vulnerable defence was barely tested.

Mignolet was one of two changes made by Klopp following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at home to West Ham.

The keeper only had one challenging save to make in the first 45 minutes, when Viktor Fischer tried his luck from a tight angle but Mignolet palmed the ball to safety.

The second half was a far more one-sided affair and Liverpool’s passing was crisp from the restart.

On 60 minutes Klopp’s side gave themselves breathing space when a neat move full of one touch passes calved open Boro’s backline wide open.

This time Lallana turned provider and his low cross from the right was met by Origi, who made no mistake from close range.

Lallana added a third seven minutes later when he was found unmarked in the penalty area before hammering the ball past the helpless Victor Valdes.

Still Boro struggled to win back possession and at times Liverpool knocked the ball around as if it was a training session.

Karanka’s side will surely receive more licence to attack when they host Swansea on Saturday. The result leaves Boro 17^th in the table and they will need to show far more ambition going forward if they are to stay out of the bottom three.

Boufal Strike Gives Southampton Victory Over Boro

Southampton    1    Middlesbrough    0

                                         Boufal 53

Sofiane Boufal’s fine strike gave Southampton all three points against Middlesbrough at St Mary’s, as Aitor Karanka’s side dropped down to 16^th in the table.

Boufal, who signed for the Saints for £16 million in the summer, provided a rare moment of quality when he received the ball from James Ward-Prowse and lashed a vicious effort past Victor Valdes on 53 minutes.

After that, Boro failed to register a shot on target and their patched-up forward line of Jordan Rhodes, Viktor Fischer, Christian Stuani rarely threatened Southampton’s charmed backline.

Once again Karanka’s men were disciplined and well-organised at the back, however this was also a reminder why they are the Premier League’s lowest scorers after fifteen games.

Their chances weren’t helped by injuries to Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez, who scored the only goal of the game in the victory over Hull last time out.

That forced Karanka to make two changes, as Rhodes and Stuani came into the side.

Southampton manager Claude Puel made five changes from the side which lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace in their last league game.

The Saints were also knocked out of the Europa league on Thursday night and there was more than a hint of anxiety around St Mary’s in the opening exchanges.

After a quiet start to the game, Boro almost took the lead when a loose pass from the hosts sent Fischer though on goal. The Danish international was forced wide of the goal by Virgil van Dijk but still managed to round goalkeeper Fraser Forster. However, after finally managing to sort his feet out, Fischer’s finish lacked power and was blocked by Saints captain Jose Fonte.

Southampton responded when Jay Rodriguez forced Valdes into action, however there were still several boos from the home fans at half time.

Puel made a tactical change at the interval, replacing Dustan Tadic with Nathan Redmond.

It proved to be an inspired decision and eight minutes after the re-start the hosts took the lead through Boufal’s brilliance.

Boro offered little going forward after that, and the visitors could have fallen further behind when Rodriguez scooped Redmond’s cross over the bar from close range in stoppage time.

Southampton v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka described Monday night’s victory over Hull as “massive” and hopes his side can sustain their momentum when they take on Southampton this weekend.

The Saints will have to recover from their Europa League exit on Thursday night when a 1-1 draw at home to Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva saw them crash out of the competition. However, Karanka isn’t focusing the opponentions busy schedule.

“I don’t know (If playing on Thursday will make a difference) I know that we will face a really good side and it will be a tough game but I would prefer to focus on ourselves,” said the Boro boss.

Karanka also stated that his team showed “they can do more than just defend,” after dominating possession against an injury-hit Hull side.

Boro had earned plaudits for their defensive performances, which earned them impressive draws away Arsenal and Manchester City, however their lack of creativity upfront had been a cause for concern.

“I had to defend my team after some games against the big sides but against Leicester and Hull we showed we know how to play with the ball, it’s not the same playing Arsenal or Manchester City away from home and playing Hull at home”.

The win moved Boro up to 13^th in the league, four points clear of the relegation (before the start of the weekend).

Team News

Karanka confirmed that Gaston Ramirez, Alvaro Negredo and Jordan Rhodes are all doubts after picking up knocks, all will be assessed before the game.

The Boro boss also revealed full-back George Friend is training with the team again but still needs to build up his fitness, meaning he is unlikely to feature.

Southampton’s top scorer Charlie Austin will miss the game after suffering a shoulder injury against Hapoel Beer Sheva on Thursday.

The Opposition

Southampton are just one place above Boro in the table (at the start of the weekend) with 17 points from 14 games.

New manager Claude Puel has contemplated three competitions in his first few months in England, and it could be argued that the Saints’ run to the League Cup semi-final and their European exertions have affected their league form.

Puel often deploys a 4-1-2-1-2 formation with a diamond in midfield but his side have found goals hard to come by, scoring just 13 in 14 games.

Alternatively, Southampton’s defence has been one of the best in the in division, particularly their centre-back pairing of Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk.

Even so the Saints’ backline was breached three times last weekend, as they were beaten 3-0 by a struggling Crystal Palace side.

One To Watch

Virgil Van Dijk

The Dutch centre half has been one of the best defenders in the league this season and has formed a robust partnership with Southampton captain Jose Fonte.

Van Dijk reads the game well and is a threat in the air from set plays. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and often starts his side’s attacks from the back.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 2 Southampton 1 – 21/4/2012

Boro postponed Southampton’s promotion party back to the Premier League when they beat the Saints at the Riverside on the penultimate day of the season.

Billy Sharp gave the visitors the lead after just 47 seconds but Boro equalised though Nicky Bailey’s deflected shot.

A point would have earned Southampton promotion however they were denied 13 minutes from time when Merouane Zemmama swept home a brilliant free kick.

Middlesbrough v Hull City Preview

Middlesbrough will make their ‘Monday Night Football’ debut when they take on Hull City at the Riverside tomorrow night.

Aitor Karanka’s side sit 16^th in a congested league table, just one point ahead of Hull, who lie three places lower after 13 games.

The visitors, who only had 13 fit players three weeks before the start of the campaign, played through extra time and penalties last Tuesday as they knocked Newcastle out of the League Cup, however the Boro boss isn’t taking tomorrow’s opposition lightly.

“We know from last season it’ll be a difficult game,” said Karanka in his pre-match press conference.

“We have to avoid the risk of complacency thinking we’ve been playing well or that Hull have injuries. We have to think it’ll be a tough game and focus on us.”

The Spaniard was complementary about his side’s recent away performances but admitted that Boro need to start picking up points, especially at home.

“We have to focus on the way we are performing as if we can play against really good teams and should have won, we have to keep playing in the same way at home.”

Team News

Karanka confirmed that full back George Friend is the only injury concern ahead of the game, stating that “the rest of the players are ready.”

That means defender Daniel Ayala could return after a recent ankle injury.

Hull striker Dieumerci Mbokani will start his three-game ban after being sent off again Newcastle on Tuesday.

Fellow striker Abel Hernandez is an injury doubt, as is Shaun Maloney, however midfielder Ryan Mason could return after missing the Newcastle game though illness.

The Opposition

After winning the play-off final in May, Hull were dealt a detrimental blow when manager Steve Bruce left a month later.

To make matters worse the Tigers suffered several injuries over a terrible summer, which left them with only 13 fit players just three weeks before the start of the season.

For that reason, they were inevitably many people’s favourites to go straight back down to the Championship, however caretaker Mike Phelan guided his side to back-to -back victories over Leicester and Swansea at the start of the season.

Phelan was subsequently rewarded with the job on a full-time basis, yet things have been much trickier since then.

After taking seven points from their opening four games, Hull went on to lose their next seven, which included a resounding 6-1 thumping away at Bournemouth.

A vital victory over Southampton at the start of the month may have stopped the rot for Phelan’s men, however a 3-0 defeat against Sunderland and a draw at home to West Brom has seen the Tigers slip back into the bottom three.

One To Watch

Robert Snodgrass
The Scottish international has been Hull’s talisman this season, with six goals in all competitions.

Snodgrass scored the winner on the opening day of the season against Leicester and salvaged a point with a late free-kick away at Burnley.

He is a threat from set-plays and can arrive late in the box to add an extra goal threat.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 1 Hull City 0 18/3/2016
David Nugent’s last minute winner gave Boro a vital three points over their promotion rivals when the sides met at the Riverside earlier this year.

With ten games remaining in the Championship promotion race, just one point separated the two sides ahead of the Friday night fixture.

Both sides cancelled each other out until stoppage time when Albert Adomah’s cross was nodded home by Nugent, sending the Riverside into raptures.

Late Slimani Penalty Denies Boro Against Leicester

Leicester    2    Middlesbrough    2

                               Mahrez 34 (Pen)                                     Negredo 12 71

                               Slimani 90+4 (Pen)

Middlesbrough missed the chance to climb away from the relegation zone after Islam Slimani’s last minute penalty gave Leicester a point at the King Power.

Boro led twice in a game that they dominated for large spells and where Alvaro Negredo ended his 11-game goal drought, which had stretched back to the opening day of the season.

The Spanish striker was a constant menace to Leicester’s backline and appeared to have earned his side all three points, when slotted home his second goal of the game 19 minutes from time.

Negredo’s first half strike on 12 minutes, following a neat attacking move, had initially been cancelled out by Riyad Mahrez’s penalty after Calum Chambers handed the ball in the penalty area.

It was another spot kick which denied Aitor Karnaka’s side with the last kick of the game, when a rash challenge from Marten De Roon on Wes Morgan gave Slimani an opportunity to convert from 12 yards.

Claudio Ranieri made just the one change from Leicester’s Champions League victory on Tuesday, as the suspended Danny Drinkwater made way for Daniel Amartey.

Clearly impressed by his side’s performance against Chelsea last weekend, Karanka named an unchanged starting 11 for the trip to the King Power. That meant Negredo kept his place upfront, despite only scoring one goal all season.

Jordan Rhodes didn’t even make the bench, amid speculation that he could replace Negredo as Boro’s lone striker.

Some had criticised the Spanish forward who arrived on loan from Valencia in the summer, yet Karanka has continuously back the potent forward and Negredo immediately repaired his manager’s faith in him here.

Boro have picked up over half of their points away from home this season and they were the quickest out of the blocks against the Premier League champions.

The visitors took the lead on 12 minutes when a forward pass from Chambers was controlled expertly by Negredo, who had dropped towards the half way line, before he rolled the ball out to Gaston Ramirez on the left-hand-side.

With space to run into, the Uruguayan then charged at full back Danny Simpson before cutting the ball back to Negredo, who had followed the move and picked up a good position inside the penalty area.

His strike may not have been the cleanest but it curled perfectly into the corner past the helpless Ron-Robert Zieler.

The Leicester keeper had already denied Adama Traore in the opening ten minutes, when the Boro winger burst into the box and drilled an effort at goal from a tight angle.

Karnaka’s side continued to threaten in the early stages of the first half and looked comfortable in possession, with the midfield trio of De Roon, Adam Clayton and Adam Forshaw outnumbering King and Amartey in Leicester’s 4-4-2 formation.

The host’s first real attack came on the half hour mark when Mahrez received the ball in space on the right and took on Boro full back Fabio. The mercurial winger then chipped the ball into the area for Shinji Okazaki, who attempted a spectacular overhead kick which clattered off the top of the crossbar.

Leicester drew level minutes later, though, when Simpson delivered swooping cross into the Boro box. The ball was heading towards Leicester captain Wes Moragn who appeared to push his marker Chambers in the back. The Boro centre half subsequently raised his arm, which made contact with the ball, and referee Lee Mason awarded a penalty which Mahrez calmly converted.

The Algerian was involved again minutes later when he squared the ball back to Jamie Vardy in space, however the striker’s touch allowed Ramirez to recover.

After weathering the early storm, Leicester improved after the break however their defence, which was rock solid at the end of last season, still looked vulnerable.

Ten minutes after, the restart the lively Traore charged down the right channel, again, however the Spanish tyro’s low cross let him down.

It wasn’t until Ranieri introduced Slimani - for Vardy - and Ahmed Musa - for Mahrez - that the Foxes began threaten Victor Valdes’ goal.

Okazaki shot straight at the Boro keeper before Musa fired over the bar moments later.

Yet the home fans couldn’t begrudge Boro’s second goal of the game when Forshaw lofted a perfectly-weighted pass forward to Negredo. Former-Boro defender Robert Huth was the man who lost Negredo and the striker instinctively ran beyond the Leicester defence before slotting the ball into the far corner with the outside of his boot.

That goal 19 minutes from time looked to have given Boro a valuable victory, however De Roon’s late challenge allowed Slimani to draw Leicester level.

Leicester v Middlesbrough Preview

Boro haven’t beaten the Foxes for 14 years in all competitions but Claudio Ranieri’s side have, so far, looked a shadow of the team which lifted the title last campaign.

Even so Boro boss Aitor Karanka, who has watched his side perform well against the Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea in recent weeks, is taking nothing for granted ahead of the game at the King Power Stadium.

“It’s dangerous for us,” said the Boro manager. “Sometimes you can forget that they (Leicester) qualified for the Champions League and won the Premier League last season.

“You just look at the table and see that they’re just one point above us. It’ll be a big mistake to think it’s going to be easy or that they’re an easy opponent because they’re down (towards) the bottom of the table”.

Karanka was also complementary of his opposite number Ranieri, while admiring the Italian’s achievement last season. “I think it’s his experience (that you can learn from),” said Karanka. “The way he won the league last season was amazing”.

Team News 

Karanka confirmed that George Friend will be out with a knee injury for three to four weeks, after the full back missed last Sunday’s game against Chelsea.

In Friend’s absence Fabio is likely to keep his place at left back.

Leicester will welcome back forwards Islam Slimani and Leonardo Ulloa, after the pair missed the Foxes Champions League victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday.

Midfielder Danny Drinkwater will miss the game after receiving a three-match ban for elbowing Watford’s Valon Behrami.

The Opposition

Leicester have won just three of their 12 Premier League games this sea

son and haven’t won in the competition since they beat Crystal Palace on October 22.

Slimani, the Foxes record signing, has been their top scorer in the league, while the goals from Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy – which propelled the Foxes to the title last year – have dried up abruptly.

In recent weeks Ranieri’s side have lost at home to West Brom and away at Watford, however their performances in the Champions League couldn’t have been more disparate.

Last Tuesday the Foxes secured their place in the knockout stages by beating Club Brugge to ensure that they topped Group A.

Despite their form in the league, Leicester shouldn’t be underestimated, especially at The King Power which was a fortress for them last season. If players like Mahrez, Vardy can refind their mojo they will be a force to be reckoned with once again.

One To Watch
Riyad Mahrez

Last season’s PFA player of the year has failed to rediscover the scintillating form that he regularly produced last season, however that was always going to be big ask after the most remarkable story in Premier League history.

Even so the Algerian has still been close to his best in the Champions League, where he has scored four goals in five games.

Last Time Out
Leicester 2 Middlesbrough 0 – 25/1/2014

Leicester extended their lead at the top of the Championship after goals from Jamie Vardy and Ritchie De Laet secured a 2-0 victory at the King Power.

Boro’s form had picked-up under Aitor Karanka, however their charge towards the play-off places was halted by Nigel Pearson’s side.

Vardy opened the scoring on 52 minutes when he converted David Nugent’s cut back.
Boro keeper Shay Given then saved Nugent’s penalty before De Laet sealed the win with a header.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

I would go with the same team which started against Chelsea, as I think playing three central midfielders gives Boro more stability away from home.

A lot has been said about Boro's striker situation in the past week, and whether Karanka should stick with Alvaro Negredo or recall Jordan Rhodes upfront.

I do feel sorry for Rhodes and feel that he does deserve more opportunities, especially when Boro are chasing a game and need a goal to get back into the game. However, I'd stick with Negredo for this game as I think he can hold the ball up more effectively and gives the side a better outlet away from home. 

Costa Strike Gives Chelsea Victory At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    0    Chelsea    1

                                                                  Costa 40

Middlesbrough are showing that they can be a match for anyone in the Premier League, yet for all the fight and will - which earned them draws at Arsenal and Manchester City - Aitor Karanka’s men were unable to get anything against a rampant Chelsea side, who moved top of the table following a win at the Riverside.

Diego Costa scored the only goal of the game, after the home side failed to deal with an in-swinging corner and the Spanish striker poked the ball home five minutes before half time.

Up until that point the hosts had kept Chelsea, who had scored 16 goals without reply in their last five games, at arm’s length, however the goal provided some comfort which Antonio Conte and his players were happy to accept.

To be fair to Boro they didn’t throw in the towel and the Blues were unable to replicate the types of performances which saw them score five past Everton last time out or four past Manchester United a couple of weeks earlier.

Like against City before the international break, Karanka’s side had a go in the second half however, not for the first time this season, they lacked some bite in the final third and were unable to create a clear-cut chance which could have altered the game.

“I can’t tell you I’m pleased with the result after we have lost the game but I am pleased with the attitude of my players,” said Karanka after the match.

“We are playing against a top-of-the-table team, so we knew it was going to be difficult. In the Premier League, any mistake is going to be punished,” he added.

Conte was also quick to praise Boro performance by saying: "We played a good game, against good opposition, and created many chances to score the second goal”.

“It's important to kill the game if you have chances because anything can happen from corners and crosses, but I am pleased."

The Italian has every right to be pleased at the moment, for his side now won six matches in a row since their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the end of September.

That was reflected by Chelsea’s team selection, as Conte named an unchanged side from the team which beat Everton 5-0 last time out.

In contrast Karanka made two changes from the side that draw at Manchester City before the international break. Gaston Ramirez returned from suspension to replace Stewart Downing.
Meanwhile left back Fabio made his first league start of the season due to an injury to George Friend.

The early exchanges played out as many would have expected, with Chelsea shading possession, but Boro were determined to at least make a game of it.

The hosts were compact and well-organised when they didn’t have the ball and the midfield trio of Martem De Roon, Adam Clayton and Adam Forshaw provided an effective shield in front of the back four.

They had an outlet in the raw Adama Traore, whose pace on the break caused Chelsea’s backline problems, however there were times when his decision making let him down in the final third.

For half an hour or so it was an even contest but the Chelsea of recent weeks are a force to be reckoned with.

A neat move on 31 minutes saw the lively Victor Moses, who has flourished in his new wing-back-role, cut the ball to Pedro but his effort was tipped over the bar by Victor Valdes.

The Boro keeper was called upon again moments later when he denied Marcos Alonso from close range, however it wasn’t long before the visitors moved ahead.

There was some controversy about the corner which was awarded when Moses appeared to slice a shot wide. However, referee Jonathan Moss deemed that ball had taken a deflection off a Boro player.

The subsequent corner hit Calum Chamber on the back and fell perfectly for Costa, who was the quickest to react, stabbing the ball past Valdes from close range.

Like against City a fortnight ago, Boro saw more of the ball after the break, yet they were unable to create a clear-cut chance.

With 12 minutes to go Alvaro Negredo, who was once again been isolated upfront for most of the afternoon, controlled Traore’s cut back and forced a save out of Thibaut Courtois.

With a sell-out crowd behind them, Boro pushed forward but Chelsea’s three-man defence stood firm.

The visitors had chances to put the game to bed but Pedro's effort clattered the cross bar, before  Valdes made another instinctive save to keep out Alonso’s low drive.

Karanka introduced Viktor Fischer and Grant Leadbitter late on but 1-0 it stayed.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes   7- Made a couple of impressive saves in the first half, as when Chelsea began to pile on some pressure.
Antonio Barragan   6- Got into some good attacking positions from right back but was sometimes caught out when Eden Hazard and Marcos Alonso doubled up on him.
Ben Gibson   7- Another impressive display from the English centre-half who won tackles and made crucial interceptions all afternoon.
Calum Chambers   6- Decent afternoon against the lively Costa but almost got caught out trying to pass ball out from the back.
Fabio   5- Played his first 90 minutes since the start of the season and it showed at times. Struggled to get to grips with pace of Victor Moses in the first half.
Marten De Roon   7- Added steel to Boro’s midfield, as he won the ball back on numerous times in the first half.
Adam Clayton   6.5- Protected the back four effectively but was withdrawn in the second half as Boro chased for an equaliser.
Adam Forshaw   7- Gave Boro energy in the middle of the park and was quick to close the ball down when Chelsea were in their own half.
Adama Traore   6- Provided an outlet on the break but still lacks an end product in the final third.
Gaston Ramirez   6- Was unable to express himself out on the left-hand side. Made a couple of runs forward but couldn’t create anything.
Alvaro Negredo   5- Had little support upfront and was isolated for most of the game. Had one decent effort which Thibaut Courtois saved.

Subs
Stewart Downing   6- Came on with 20 minutes to go, delivered a couple of good crosses into the box.
Viktor Fischer   5- Came on with 17 minutes to go but was unable create anything in the closing stages.
Grant Leadbitter – Came on with two minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating.

My Boro Man Of The Match: Ben Gibson