Newly promoted Middlesbrough remain unbeaten in the Premier League taking their points tally to five from three games. Hawthorns is always a tricky place to travel to and get points from but Aitor Karanka’s side will be happy with their display. It was not at all a game that would have made the neutrals excited. Both sides struggled to create too many chances. There were loud boos for the hosts after the full-time whistle and we can expect the Baggies to be active in the coming three days.
Both sides were resolute defensively but lacked any kind of flamboyance and flair. However, Boro fans will be happy with how the team have done after their promotion to the top tier of English football after seven long years. Here is how the Boro players fared against the Baggies.
Brad Guzan: 6/10
The USA international had a comfortable afternoon. Was not tested much by the wasteful West Brom attack. Passing and distribution was good from the 31-year-old.
Emilio Nsue: 7/10
The 26-year-old had a good game. Defensively he was solid. Did not burst forward that much, though.
Daniel Ayala: 7.5/10
The Spaniard had a brilliant game. The former Liverpool stopper led the back four very well. Made some perfect long-range passes to find the attackers.
Ben Gibson: 7/10
The 23-year-old was flawless in defence. Made a number of crucial blocks and interceptions and help his side keep a clean sheet.
Antonio Barragan: 7/10
The Spaniard did more than a decent job in an unusual left-back position. Burst forward with pace time and time again but did enough to track back.
Adam Forshaw: 7.5/10
Looked lively in midfield winning possession and spraying the ball well for his teammates. A brilliant game from the 24-year-old.
Adam Clayton: 6/10
A rather quiet afternoon for the 27-year-old. Did not have the ball much. Looked off-colour.
Cristhian Stuani: 7/10
Always tried to make something happen when he got the ball. For the hunger he showed in such a boring game, we would give him 7.
Gaston Ramirez: 6/10
Failed to create openings for his side. Worked hard for the team, though.
Stewart Downing: 6.5/10
Tried to work the keeper with a few long-rangers but overall, an average game from the experienced winger.
Alvaro Negredo: 6.5/10
Hold up play was good from the Spaniard. Tried to stretch the game and bring his teammates into the game but far from what you expect from a marquee signing.
Substitutes
David Nugent: NA
Viktor Fischer: NA
