How the Middlesbrough players rated after their 2-1 victory over Stoke City
Middlesbrough players celebrate scoring(Image: PA)
Middlesbrough came from behind to record an important win against Stoke City in a game of two halves from Boro.
Behind at the interval after a really poor first half and a Tomas Rigo goal, Kim Hellberg made the half-time changes to inspire a much-improved second half. Alan Brown scored the equaliser just three minutes after the restart, before turning provider for what proved the winner.
That second Boro goal came through Tommy Conway, who ended a five month wait for a goal from open play to earn Boro all three points. Here’s how the Boro players rated.
Sol Brynn – 5
Ended up making a few important saves, including the one he tips onto the bar. But his error for the Stoke City goal is a concern because it’s the third time he’s been beaten by a similar type of effort. There was a nervy moment in the second half when he completely missed the ball from a free-kick too, which thankfully wasn’t punished.
Alan Browne – 8
A man for the big moments. Browne isn’t only playing out of position against a side with such tricky wide players, he’s having major impacts at both ends. He grabbed a goal and an assist in this one.
Adilson Malanda – 5
Improved in the second half, albeit under little pressure. That was in contrast to a really poor first half where he looked uncomfortable throughout, including giving the ball away in dangerous areas time and again.
Luke Ayling – 6
Was one of the cooler heads in a tricky first half without being tested too much in the second half. Boro relied on his cool head to get through the first 45 only one down.
Matt Targett – 6
Was guilty of giving the ball away for the Stoke goal, but he wasn’t the first nor the last Boro player to get caught being too casual in possession in the first half. He improved from there though, and supported attacks well, including one good drive from range and Boro worked out that the Stoke keeper wasn’t holding much.
Hayden Hackney – 6
Was poor in the first half, as he gave the ball away a lot and struggled to get into the game in general. Improved in the second half and, as is so often the case, played a big role in the move leading to the equaliser.
Aidan Morris – 8
But for Browne’s crucial goal interventions, Morris would have had a fair shout for being man of the match. Even first half, he was the one Boro player he looked busy and tried to get them going. He was the first to test Simkin to force a first spill, and had the shot that was parried for Browne’s equaliser too.
Sammy Silvera – 5
An unfortunate but understandable half-time casualty as Kim Hellberg switched things around at the interval. Didn’t see enough of the ball, but was far from Boro’s worst in the first half, drawing a couple of fouls.
Morgan Whittaker – 6
With Stoke’s defence consisting of four centre-backs, Whittaker was often overpowered and struggling to get into the game. Better in the second half, linking play more, while his edge-of-the-box turn opened things for the equaliser.
Alex Gilbert – 4
Looked well out of his depth before being axed at half-time.
Tommy Conway – 7
Typically hard-working performance from Conway. Importantly though, this one was complemented by that long-awaited goal, which proved Boro’s winner.
Substitutions
Leo Castledine (For Silvera, 46’) – 7 – Made a difference from the bench. Looked bright, confident and penetrative in possession and not afraid to have a go from range either.
Delano Borgzorg (For Gilbert, 46’) – 6 – While he didn’t have as big an impact, he was still part of a much-improved Boro second half. He just offered that bit more both in holding up the ball, but also running in behind.
Sverre Nypan (For Whittaker, 79’) – N/A
Dael Fry (For Conway, 90’) – N/A
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