How the Middlesbrough players rated after their 3-1 victory over Birmingham City
David Strelec of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring his team’s third goal(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Middlesbrough ended a three-match winless run by becoming just the second side this season to win away at Birmingham City.
A fifth consecutive win at St Andrew’s for Boro, they passed a huge character test to win 3-1 after Kim Hellberg’s surprise. Moving to a back three for the game, wing-back Matt Targett profited with a first half brace.
And also restored to the starting XI, David Strelec scored what is the biggest goal of his Boro career to date, restoring the two-goal lead after Marvin Ducksch pulled one back for the hosts minutes into the second half.
A massive win for Boro in the race for promotion after all their rivals had won at the weekend, it was another showing of Boro’s strong character. Here’s how the Boro players rated.
Sol Brynn – 7
A couple of erratic moments, but in general a solid outing, with the Boro keeper making important saves early in both halves with his side under the cosh at the time.
Luke Ayling – 7
Back looking solid and composed after a couple of shaky outings recently, Ayling used every bit of experience to help Boro win a tricky away game. Some big blocks and tackles are what Boro fans love to see. Even when left one on one with Demarai Gray on occasion, he came out on top.
Dael Fry – 8
If it wasn’t for Targett scoring twice, Fry would have a good shout to be Boro’s man of the match. At the heart of Boro’s back three, he won absolutely everything in the air, and swept excellently whenever he needed.
Adilson Malanda – 5
A great night for Boro, but not for Malanda. Boro’s early struggles were largely brought about by Malanda, who looked edgy and rushed in possession throughout and constantly gave the ball away. He let Jay Stansfield in behind him for their goal too. Maybe time for a break after Hellberg’s recent admission that he’s played him more than he’d have ideally liked.
Callum Brittain – 8
Immense for Boro in this one. He got forward and joined in with the attack when he could, but, more importantly, he supported Ayling superbly from a defensive view, keeping the usually lively Gray quiet throughout.
Matt Targett – 8
Enjoyed the chance to get a bit further forward as a wing-back and exploit a little space. He ended the first half with two massive goals for Boro. Both finishes showed strikers’ composure, while the chest control to set himself for the first was perfect.
Aidan Morris – 8
In a game where Boro struggled to get to grips with it early on, Morris stepped up and took the game by the scruff of the neck for his side. His aggression in the press was vital, and his ball over the top for Targett’s first completely changed the game.
Hayden Hackney – 7
As is so often the case, he looked to get on the ball throughout and make things happen for his side. He spotted Targett’s run and played the pass perfectly for Boro’s second.
Riley McGree – 7
Playing as an advanced midfielder, McGree was clever in possession when he got the chance to be, and aggressive with his press to help Boro get a big win.
Tommy Conway – 8
Didn’t ever get a big chance to score one in the game, but he was heavily involved in so much that Boro did. His pressing caused all sorts of problems and brought about Boro’s second goal.
David Strelec – 7
Could this be the Slovakian’s lift-off moment at Boro? A huge goal, just as he was about to come off. It restored Boro’s two-goal cushion, and was a superb headed goal. Before that, he’d battled well and showed some good touches, without being as involved as his strike partner.
Substitutions
Morgan Whittaker (For Strelec, 62’) – 6 – Game was like a training exercise when he came on just after the third goal.
Alan Browne (For McGree, 74’) – 6 – See Whittaker.
Jeremy Sarmiento (For Conway, 74’) – 6 – Also see Whittaker.
Alex Gilbert (For Hackney, 90’) – N/A
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