On a beautiful evening at the Riverside, a resurgent Tony Pulis’s Boro were to host the league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers. For Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, a win would suffice and it would be the first of the four they would need for the automatic promotion. The game kicked off smoothly with the hosts doing well enough to contain the force of the Wolves but a moment of quality gave the men in orange a massive goal and turned the tie completely.
Helder Costa’s sweet finish was followed up by a goal from Ivan Cavaleiro from a corner and Wolves were in command at halftime. The game became extremely volatile in the second half with Wolves getting two red cards against them but they held on resiliently despite a late consolation from Patrick Bamford. The celebrations were simply laced with the passion for Nuno’s men and here’s how they’ve been rated after a huge win at the Riverside.
GK: John Ruddy – 6.5/10
A bit rusty early on and got booked for time-wasting but he grew decently into the game and did decently enough until the end. Stood no chance against Bamford’s finish though.
RWB: Matt Doherty – 5/10
Aggressive and a bit reckless and got sent-off a bit harshly after his need to have a leverage was deemed as a challenge of the elbow by the referee.
CB: Ryan Bennett – 6/10
Not really noticeable owing to the nature of the game but he held his own whenever it was required.
CB : Conor Coady – 6.5/10
Complimented Willy Boly really well and did a good job to keep a grip on Bamford. He’s getting closer as a leader to seal the automatic promotion place.
CB: Willy Boly – 8/10
Absolutely impressive for me today. Aerially he caused a lot of trouble in the opposition box and was important for Wolves’ second and he made several noticeable interruptions to disrupt Middlesbrough in his own box. Has to carry on with this form to see his team get over the line.
LWB: Barry Douglas – 8.5/10
His pin-point deliveries seared through the opposition on a regular basis and he did standout for that today. What an asset!
CM: Romain Saiss – 6/10
Not effective enough as per his usual standards and got booked as well.
CM : Ruben Neves – 5/10
Played some sweet passes in the beginning but got sent off for an absolutely reckless challenge. Wonder how Wolves will deal with their star midfielder being absent for the name game.
RW: Helder Costa – 7.5/10
He seemed to have enjoyed the game thoroughly today and he did his bit excellently. Got the first goal with an accurate finish and didn’t fail to inject tensions in the Boro backline on occasions.
LW: Ivan Cavaleiro – 7.5/10
Witty and quick and got a goal as well for his enthusiasm and sense of awareness.
ST: Benik Afobe – 5/10
Didn’t really impact the game and was substituted in the second half.
Substitutes:-
CM: Alfred N’Diaye – 5/10
Largely ineffective and hardly noticeable
AM: Leo – N/A
M: Morgan Gibbs-White – N/A
