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.

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.

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.

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.

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

De Roon Header Earns Boro A Point A City

Manchester City    1    Middlesbrough    1

                                      Aguero 43                                                     De Roon 90+1

Marten De Roon’s last minute header earned Middlesbrough a valuable point away at Manchester City.

The hosts had taken the lead courtesy of Sergio Aguero’s strike just before half time, however they were unable to capitalise on it - in a game which saw them record 71 per cent possession.

Boro, in particular their goalkeeper Victor Valdes, defended their goal valiantly but City will rue a number of chances which they squandered in the second half.

The clearest fell to Aguero, who looked certain to score when the ball was cut back to him by Jesus Navas inside the penalty area – but the Argentine skewed his effort over the bar.

Compared to City’s 4-0 thrashing over West Brom the week before, Aguero was somewhat quieter here due to Boro’s sturdy backline and the visitors were rewarded with seconds to go.

The equaliser came when George Friend bravely ventured forward from the left back position and was allowed time to deliver his cross. And what a cross it was.

As City retreated, the ball swooped into the penalty area and beyond the several bodies which had assembled inside the heart of City’s penalty area. Arriving late was De Roon, who outjumped Gael Clichy at the far post before powering his header past Claudio Bravo.

The City keeper had been as much of a spectator as the 54,000 fans inside the Etihad in the first half, as Boro struggled to pose any sort of threat on the break.

Aitor Karanka reverted to the system that earned his side a goalless draw at Arsenal a fortnight ago, with Adam Forshaw, Adam Clayton and De Room making up a compact midfield three.

Even so, Boro were far less of a force going forward compared to their gutsy performance at the Emirates. Adama Traore, who was brilliant in North London, was shackled every time he received the ball and Boro quickly resorted to firing the ball up to Alvaro Negredo, who was left to fight an impossible battle on his own upfront.

Yet for 43 minutes City couldn’t score. Kevin De Bruyne fired a shot inches wide before Valdes produced a brilliant save to deny David Silva from close range.

The Boro keeper, who enjoyed arguably his best performance of the season, was also involved in a nasty clash with Navas, which left Valdes with a painful-looking cut to the top of his leg. It was bandaged up and he was allowed to continue.

City’s goal came moments later when De Bruyne dropped deep to receive the ball, before sweeping a low cross into the penalty area. There was Aguero, who had made a well-timed run, to poke the ball home.

A goal down, Boro were far more positive after the break and Negredo received far more support after the interval. Bravo was called into action when Forshaw broke forward but the midfielder’s low shot was saved by the Chilean.

The hosts had chances too but didn’t take them. Boro made them pay.    

 

Boro Record First Home Win Over Bournemouth

Middlesbrough    2      Bournemouth    0

                           Ramirez 39  Downing 56

Gaston Ramirez scored a stunning solo-goal as Middlesbrough recorded their first home victory of the season.

Aitor Karanka’s side may have recorded an admirable draw away at Arsenal last weekend, however their supporters had not seen them win at the Riverside since April following their promotion back to the Premier League.

This 2-0 victory over an in-form Bournemouth side should help clear a lot of the descending tension, which was at its thickest following a 1-0 defeat to Watford a fortnight ago.

In comparison, this was a much-improved performance, which moves Boro up to 14^th in the table.

Ramirez’s goal was the moment of quality which Boro’s fans have craved for over recent weeks.

The Uruguayan, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, picked up the ball inside his own half before charging towards the Bournemouth goal. His adventurous run took him into the opposition penalty area, where he cut inside of Andrew Surman before slotting the ball beyond goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

The hosts added a second ten minutes after half time, when Stewart Downing poked home Alvaro Negredo’s knock-down from Adama Traore’s cross and the result rarely looked in doubt after that.

Bournemouth, who hadn’t lost in four games before this encounter, had started brightly. Their front three of Josh King, Callum Wilson and Jordon Ibe regularly interchanged positions while Jack Wilshere was always on the lookout for a killer pass.

Things could so easily have been different if the visitors had converted a pivotal chance after 26 minutes. It came when Wilshere clipped a delightful ball over Boro’s defence for King, whose shot was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Victor Valdes.

Ramirez’s goal came 15 minutes later and it always had the feel of a match where the first goal was going to be vital.

Like at Arsenal last weekend, Boro’s defence stood firm throughout as they recorded their second clean sheet in succession.

Karanka made two changes from the side which left London with a point, the first of which saw Calum Chambers replace Daniel Ayala at the back.

Downing was also recalled on the left and there was a clear switch back to Karanka’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

That allowed Ramirez, who played on the left at the Emirates, to move back into the centre while Marten De Roon missed out.

Eddie Howe made just one change from the Bournemouth team which played out a goalless draw at home to Tottenham last Saturday. It saw Surman, who was ill that weekend, replace Dan Gosling in midfield.

There was little to choose between the two sides in the early exchanges, as Boro managed just a few shots from distance.

King’s chance was the first real opening for either team but Boro responded commendably.

Ramirez then lit up the contest with a moment of magic on 39 minutes, which saw him recorded his first goal of the season.

Boro picked up exactly where they left off after the break, as they forced two corners straight after the restart.

They doubled their lead moments later when Traore, whose pace and tricky had caused the visitors plenty of problems from the left, received the ball on the edge of the penalty area.

His cross with the outside of his boot picked out Negredo at the back post and the striker’s header across goal presented Downing with a tap-in.

Boro looked comfortable after that and Valdes barely had a save to make in the second half.

The visitor’s went in search of a quick response and almost halved the deficit courtesy of Adam Smith. The defender’s shot appeared to be heading for the bottom corner, however he was denied by a brilliant block from Chambers.

There was a standing ovation for captain Grant Leadbitter, who made his first appearance of the season - off the bench - following his hernia operation in the summer.

Bournemouth saw a lot of the ball late on, as Boro were content to play on the counter-attack. They could have added a third on the break, however Negredo and Traore squandered good opportunities.

It didn’t make a difference, though, as Boro gave their fans a much-needed lift.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes   7- Made a brilliant save to deny King but didn’t have too much to do after that

Antonio Barragan   7- Made a couple of runs forward in the first half and looked comfortable in defence

Ben Gibson   7- Once again looked assured at this level, regularly organising Boro’s backline

Calum Chambers   7- Made several important interceptions and blocks, including one from Smith late on

George Friend   7.5- Didn’t put a foot wrong at the back and added a threat going forward

Adam Clayton   7- Protected the back four and kept a close eye on Wilshere

Adam Forshaw   7- A disciplined performance in midfield and played a couple of inviting passes forward

Adama Traore   7- Provided a threat on the break but sometimes lacked an end-product

Stewart Downing   7- Hard-working performance was capped off with a goal. Crosses sometimes let him down

Gaston Ramirez   8- Worked tirelessly until he was substituted. Capped it off with a stunning goal

Alvaro Negredo   6- Good knock-down to set up Downing, however he was anonymous for most of the game

Subs

Grant Leadbitter   6- Made his first appearance of the season and slotted into midfield comfortably

Jordan Rhodes – Replaced Negredo with five minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

Viktor Fischer - Replaced Traore with five minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Gaston Ramirez

Boro Hold Arsenal At The Emirates

Arsenal   0    Middlesbrough   0

Boro needed a performance like the one they produced at Emirates Stadium on Saturday to remind everyone that they can compete at the highest level. 

Few would have given Aitor Karanka’s side a chance against rampant Arsenal side, who had won their last seven games in all competitions and scored six past Bulgarian side Ludogorets last time out.

Yet Boro had the better chances and could be forgiven for feeling disappointed with a point, after a valiant display away from home.

In the end, a goalless draw was the least they deserved, after Arsenal keeper Petr Cech made a series of first half saves- denying Alvaro Negredo, Gaston Ramirez and Adama Traore.

As expected, Arsenal monopolised possession but they lacked the verve and the guile to break down the resilient visitors.

Boro remained compact and disciplined throughout, as the midfield trio of Adam Clayton, Marten De Roon and Adam Forshaw protected the back four admirably.

They had a threat on the break, too, most notably though the rapid Traore, whose pace on the counter attack struck fear into Arsenal’s backline.

Karanka had received criticism following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Watford last weekend, however his tactics functioned seamlessly here.

The Boro boss made three changes from the side which started against Watford at the Riverside last Sunday.

Calum Chambers was ineligible to play against his parent club so Daniel Ayala returned at the back.

Clayton returned and was deployed in a three-man midfield, while further forward Traore made his first start for the club on the right. Stewart Downing and Cristian Stuani dropped to the bench.

Arsene Wenger, on his 67^th birthday, made two changes from the side which beat Swansea the previous week and they appeared to miss the creativity of the injured Santi Carzorla in midfield.

Granit Xhaka was also missing, due to a suspension, so Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny lined up in the middle of the park.

The early exchanges played out as many would have expected, with Arsenal confidently stroking the ball around the Boro penalty area -however Victor Valdes barely had a save to make.

At the other end, Cech was soon called upon when a quick burst forward from Traore was finally thwarted by the Arsenal keeper. The attack didn’t end there, as the loose ball dropped to Negredo but Cech reacted swiftly to save with his feet. 

Minutes later, a foray forward from George Friend won Boro a free kick on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. Gaston Ramirez took it but his curling effort rattled the bar.

The Uruguayan had an even better chance when he was found by Traore’s cross but Cech parried away his close-range header. 

On 35 minutes, it was Valdes’ turn to take centre stage, as he kept out a curling free kick from Alexis Sanchez with flying save.

After the break Valdes denied Sanchez again after the Chilean unleased a dipping shot from the edge of the area.

Boro’s threat didn’t go away, though, and another Traore charge forced Cech into action once again.

Arsenal thought they had snatched a winner in the dying minutes when substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s shot was turned into the by Mesut Ozil. However, the linesman’s flag was rightly raised for offside.

Holebas Strike Gives Watford Victory Over Boro

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

Payet Brilliance Denies Boro

West Ham    1        Middlesbrough    1

                                     Payet 51                                           Stuani 57

There was much to be admired about Middlesbrough’s 1-1 draw away at West Ham on Saturday afternoon however, in league where points are hard to come by and wins can be scare for newly promoted sides, there was general feeling that this was an opportunity missed.

Boro huffed and puffed to produce another typical, hardworking away performance, like the ones at Sunderland and West Brom.

In the end they were denied a commendable victory by a piece of brilliance from Dimitri Payet, whose second half equaliser eased some criticism about the Hammers’ new home, The London Stadium.

Up until that point Boro had their hosts exactly where they wanted them. A goal up after 51 minutes, courtesy of Cristhian Stuani’s header, Aitor Karanka’s side had relented some first half pressure and looked on course to record their second victory of the season. That was until Payet stuck.

The mercurial Frenchman found space on the left and skipped past Antonio Barragan with ease. Back came Marten De Roon, who had enjoyed a robust game in the middle of the park, but still Payet couldn’t be stopped. He jinked past Calum Chambers, then Ben Gibson and finally George Friend before tucking the ball past keeper Victor Valdes. Yes, the defending could have been questioned. But this was a solo goal of immense quality.

Payet could have been the difference in this cagey game between two sides which were experiencing similar losing streaks, yet the visitors managed to keep him at bay for the final half an hour.

Adam Forshaw produced another splendid display in the heart of midfield. Not only did he look like Boro’s most creative player, but he also did well to take the sting out of proceedings when the Hammers threatened to take control.

Karanka raised a few eyebrows with his team selection, which saw Adam Clayton, Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo drop to the bench. In their place came Forshaw, Viktor Fischer and Jordan Rhodes.

It was the Fischer who had the game’s first real attempt when Rhodes nodded the ball into the Danish playmaker’s path but he fired just wide.

Boro’s biggest threat came down the left where Friend and Stewart Downing combined effectively on numerous occasions.

Slaven Bilic had made four alterations to the West Ham side which lost 3-0 at home to Southampton last time out. With Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho still out injured and Simone Zaza low on confidence, Michail Antonio led the line.

The host’s closest effort came on the stoke of half time when captain Mark Noble curled an effort from the edge of the area onto the underside of Victor Valdes’ crossbar.

Stuani’s opener from a Fischer corner after the break appeared to swing the momentum in Boro’s favour, however Payet brilliance brought parity just five minutes later.

In the end it was another admirable point for Karanka’s side but it could so easily have been three.

Boro Outclassed By Tottenham As Slow Start Costs Them

Middlesbrough   1    Tottenham   2

                                              Gibson 67                                          Son 7 23

Boro suffered their third defeat in a row after they were outplayed by an in form Tottenham at the Riverside.

First half goals from Son Heung-min resulted in another disappointing afternoon for Aitor Karnaka’s side on home turf, and despite improving after the break Boro were unable to savage anything from the game.

Ben Gibson’s header on 67 minutes gave Boro revived hope, as did the introduction of Adama Traore off the bench, however the host’s sluggish start which ultimately cost them.

"It's frustrating for me to work for seven days to try to show them (the players) how Tottenham play and how good they are if we let them play, then we go on the pitch and seven minutes later we are losing 1-0,” said Karanka after the game.

"These mistakes were made last week and the week before, but the worst and most frustrating thing for me was the attitude, especially in the first half because in the second half we were completely different,” he added.

Tottenham weren’t hampered by an injury to last season’s top scorer Harry Kane, and in his absence Son, who scored just four goals for Spurs in the league last campaign, justified his place.

After just seven minutes the South Korean international had given his side the lead, after playing a neat one-two with Vincent Janssen, before jinking away from Adam Clayton and Calum Chambers, and slotting the ball past Boro goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Karanka made three changes to the side which lost 3-1 at Everton the previous week, as Adam Clayton and Christian Stuani returned to the side.

Chambers also came into the side to make his debut while Daniel Ayala, Adam Forshaw and Emilio Nsue dropped to the bench.

Even so, Boro continued to struggle against a rampant Spurs side, who doubled their lead after 22 minutes and this time it was a cracker.

Son probably should have been dispossessed while twisting and turning with the ball inside the Boro penalty area. However, after wriggling away from first Antonio Barragan, then Stuani, he brilliantly curled a stunning effort into to the far corner which left Valdes stranded.

The visitors should have moved further ahead but Dele Alli could only scoop a close range effort over the bar after Chambers was caught in possession.

Karanka made a double substitution on 58 minutes when Traore and Jordan Rhodes replaced Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo, who had been isolated upfront for most of the game.

Traore’s willingness to run at players reinvigorated the crowd and the match as a contest.

Tottenham’s lead was halved when Gibson climbed above Victor Wanyama to head the ball beyond Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris from Downing’s free kick.

Boro threatened again when another Downing cross was nodded towards goal by Rhodes but Lloris had positioned himself well.

Spurs was always going to be another difficult test for Karanka’s side, however Boro will have to start picking up more points at home if they are to stay clear from the bottom three.

Everton Outclass Boro To Go Second In The Table

Everton   3    Middlesbrough   1

                                Barry 24 Coleman 42                            Stekelenburg (OG) 21

                                       Lukaku 45

Boro received a harsh reality check at Goodison Park on Saturday after they were convincingly beaten 3-1 by an in form Everton side.

Aitor Karanka admitted before the game that the Toffees would be his side’s toughest test of the season, following games against Stoke, Sunderland, West Brom and Crystal Palace, and so it turned out as Ronald Koeman’s men coasted to their fourth victory in five league games.

Romelu Lukaku celebrates Everton's third goal

(Picture from Sky Sports)

In truth it was always going to be a big ask for Boro return to Teesside with a point, against a side which many are now tipping to challenge for a European place.

The score line was no disgrace, especially after Everton’s 3-0 demolition of Sunderland five days earlier.

However, it was the manor of the defeat that may come as a slight concern. In the second half Boro barely laid a glove on their opponents and even appeared content to simply try and keep the score down after falling two goals behind at half time.

It had all started so well too, but after a controversial own goal from Everton keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, when he appeared to be fouled by Alvaro Negredo, there was only one team in it.

Gareth Barry fittingly marked his 600^th Premier League appearance with an abrupt equaliser before Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku provided the hosts with a buffer before the interval.

Like against Palace, Boro’s defending, which was their major strength in Championship last campaign, could have been questioned for each goals they conceded - though it should be remembered that this is the Premier League where teams are far less forgiving.

Karanka made three changes from the side which was beaten by Palace last time out. Marten De Roon replaced Adam Clayton in midfield while Gaston Ramirez and Emilio Nsue also came in for Viktor Fischer and the injured Cristhian Stuani.

After a quiet opening 20 minutes, in which there was only one shot on target from Ross Barkley, Boro took a surprising lead.

Negredo only had eyes for the ball when he leaped to head George Friend’s cross from the left. Even so, Stekelenburg appeared to catch the ball before he was hit by the potent striker, and the ball ended up in the net.

The sense of injustice seemed to ignite the hosts, who drew level just three minutes after falling behind.

Kevin Mirallas’ corner was flicked on by Ashley Williams, who could also have been penalised for a foul Boro keeper Victor Valdes, and Barry swept the ball home.

Everton took control after that, as the exceptional Idrissa Gueye ran the midfield. They went ahead three minutes before half time after Coleman played a neat one-two with Lukaku before side-footing the ball past Valdes inside the area.

Lukaku added his fourth goal in a week when his outstretched right boot glanced Yannick Bolasie’s cross home for a third on the stroke of half time.

Boro brought on Fischer and David Nugent in the second half but had no response.