Hull City took on Middlesbrough in a must-win game for both teams. The game started off well for Middlesbrough. Traore and Negredo linked up superbly in the 5th minute to set up Middlesbrough’s first away goal of 2017. This seemed like a real positive for Boro as they have only lost two games this season after taking the lead.
However, Hull City would bounce back quickly. A mix up between Valdes and Gibson would allow Markovic to capitalise and bring the Tigers level. Hull City would then go on to dominate the game.
A combination of good attacking and awful defending from Boro would allow Niasse and Hernandez to give Hull a 3-1 lead by the 33rd minute. Despite Boro not really being in the game, they were handed a lifeline.
Middlesbrough were awarded a corner in the 46th minute. De Roon managed to convert, even though he was very clearly offside, the linesman had a nightmare and awarded Boro the goal.
Middlesbrough would go on to have a few decent chances with Gestede and Negredo forcing some good saves from the Hull keeper. But, more awful defending from Boro in the 70th minute would leave Maguire free to head home Hull’s 4th goal of the night. Hull City took away all 3 points from the game which has all but doomed Boro to relegation.
Middlesbrough’s formation change
Much controversy has surrounded Boro’s formations this season. This is largely because for much of the season Boro played 4-3-3 with three CDM’s. This made Boro play very defensively and also contributed to them being the lowest scorers in the league.
However, Agnew who is now in charge of Boro since Karanka was sacked opted for a change up in tonight’s game. Agnew chose to play 4-4-2 with Gestede and Negredo up top. The result was somewhat positive. Despite losing Boro did score two goals in one game. While this may not seem like a big deal, considering Boro have only scored three goals in 2017 before tonight, two goals in one game is a really big surprise for Boro.
Although the formation change had a positive effect it may be too little too late. Boro now sits 8 points from safety with 8 games reaming. Middlesbrough fans will only wonder what could have been if Boro had made the switch earlier in the season.
Niasse and Hernandez run circles around Boro
Before tonight’s game, Boro had the 5th best defensive record in the league. So, when Boro were playing a side fighting to stay up the last thing you would expect is for Boro to concede four. Unfortunately for Boro fans, that exactly what they did.
While Boro’s defensive display was awful by their standards, some credit must be given to Hull City. Especially the two front men Niasse and Hernandez. The two strikers caused Boro nothing but problems all game. Unfortunately, Hernandez was taken off injured in the 51st minute. But, before then, the two strikers linked up well, ran in behind Boro’s defence constantly and both scored a goal with Hernandez getting the assist for Niasse’s goal.
If Hull are to stay up this season, that striker partnership could be a pivotal part of them doing so.
Boro looks set to go down
After a disappointing result against Swansea on Sunday, this game was must win for Boro. Regrettably, Boro lost. This puts them now seven points from safety with just eight games to go. While a seven-point deficit may be slightly achievable to overcome for some teams, with Boro’s run of games and their continuing poor performances, they are almost definitely going back down this season.
Middlesbrough’s remaining games this season consists of games against Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. Not one of those games seems winnable for Boro which leaves Middlesbrough with just four games to survive. Even with the remaining four matches, Middlesbrough’s poor form will undoubtedly prevent them from picking up enough wins. Boro are yet to win in 2017. So the likelihood of them winning four out of the remaining eight is very very small.
Therefore after a poor displays in two back to back key games against relegation rivals, Middlesbrough have seemingly doomed themselves to going back to the Championship just one season after being promoted.
