Middlesbrough’s winless run continued to six games as they lost against Watford at home on Sunday. Aitor Karanka’s men stay rooted on 17th place of the table with 6 points from their 8 games now and are under a bit of pressure after a good start to the campaign. In a game that was frustrating in terms of quality for most parts, the home side disappointed and was not able to exert themselves into the game fully.
With only patches of dominance in the early stages of both the halves, the home team fell short and succumbed to their third consecutive defeat at home. Let’s take a look at how the players fared on a scale of 10 in the game.
Valdes (6/10)
Had to make just one save all game but couldn’t do anything to keep out the stunning strike from Holebas for the goal.
Barragan (5/10)
Was given a torrid time by Success on his flank as he was exposed repeatedly making silly errors. Was extremely lucky to stay on the pitch for 69 minutes before he was finally subbed.
Chambers (7/10)
Passed the ball well and played better once he was moved to the right back slot in the 69th minute. Disappointed with his deliveries from the wide areas though.
Gibson (8/10)
Passed the ball really well out from the back and was also very good in defending his area making 3 interceptions and 9 clearances.
Friend (8/10)
The left back excelled with his passing and created two chances with his deliveries from the wide areas also. Marshalled his flank expertly and didn’t allow attacks to develop at all winning his duels in the crucial moments.
Forshaw (8/10)
Very good performance from the midfielder as he utilized possession expertly spraying the ball accurately in the middle of the park to keep things ticking but his distribution was not utilized properly by his forward line.
De Roon (6.5/10)
Passed the ball well but couldn’t win his duels in the midfield losing out on both the aerial challenges and the tackles.
Stuani (6/10)
Disappointing with his passing and overall gameplay. Didn’t do much at all to contribute to his team’s attacking moves.
Ramirez (6/10)
Made some important blocks but remained ineffective in the attacking phase from open play. Put in a couple of good balls into the box from the set pieces but that didn’t help much.
Downing (6.5/10)
Passed the ball well from the wide areas but most of his crosses were dealt with by the Watford defence. Created one chance for his teammates and had two shots of his own but they were pretty disappointing.
Negredo (6/10)
Another disappointing display from the striker who needs to step up his game in the coming matches. He did pass the ball decently in the forward areas and created two chances for his mates but they were not utilized. Negredo had two shots on goal but shot straight to the goalkeeper on both occasions.
Subs
Ayala (6/10)
Came on in the 69th minute and slotted into the central defence. Remained comfortable for the rest of the game
Traore (6.5/10)
Provided the intent and directness when he came on and lifted the team’s attacking moves completing 4 of his 7 attempted take-ons and passing the ball well in the forward areas. Needs to be utilized from the start.
Rhodes (N/A)
