How the Middlesbrough players were marked after their excellent 4-1 victory at Hull City
Middlesbrough players celebrate(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Middlesbrough finally found a clinical touch in a ruthless first half to set up their empathic victory at Hull City.
Boro won 4-1 on Humberside, with David Strelec, Alex Gilbert, Morgan Whittaker and Riley McGree firing the goals for Kim Hellberg’s side. The new head coach celebrated a second victory in as many games as Boro boss.
Though Joe Gelhardt pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half, Boro never looked in any danger of letting their hosts back into the game. Here’s how the Boro players rated.
Sol Brynn – 7
Unfortunate with the penalty. The contact looked minimal, and then he got more on the actual penalty that just had too much power to beat him. Swept out of his box well a couple of times in the first half.
Callum Brittain – 7
A classy performance at right-back. Without been heavily involved in any of the Boro goals, he still used the ball well throughout, and with support from Whittaker, managed the Ryan Giles threat so well too.
Alfie Jones – 8
Brilliant on his return to the MKM Stadium. Having looked uncomfortable with the higher line last weekend, he didn’t put a foot wrong in this one.
Matt Targett – 8
The same can be said of Targett too, who was once again forced to play at centre-back. He was completely unfazed in a dominant display.
Alex Bangura – 8
Heavily involved in the build-up to the first goal before directly assisting the fourth. He did really well to get on the end of Conway’s through ball.
Alex Gilbert – 9
Hellberg promised opportunities and Gilbert more than took his. He finished excellently from the edge to put Boro 2-0 up and then won the ball, led the counter and set up the quickfire third. It was a classy display.
Hayden Hackney – 9
Gilbert was just edged out of the man of the match award by Hackney, who was highly influential throughout. His passing range unlocked the defence time and time again.
Morgan Whittaker – 8
His fine form continues. It’s four goals in four games now for the forward, who finished clinically. He was lively throughout and supported Brittain well defensively too.
Riley McGree – 8
A nice personal moment for him as he added Boro’s fourth goal. It capped an entertaining first half where the Australian looked sharp, found pockets of space continuously, and displayed his fine technical ability.
David Strelec – 8
A welcome goal for the Slovakian to get Boro off to a great start. He was also a menace throughout up top. His press caused the error for the second goal, while some of his touches oozed class.
Tommy Conway – 7
Still no goal for Conway but a real selfless display from the striker who worked tirelessly for his side and played a major role in two goals. He directly assisted the second goal for Gilbert, and then slipped Bangura through to the byline for the fourth.
Substitutions
George Edmundson (for Bangura, 68’) – 6 – Came on just after Hull’s goal and steadied the Boro ship for a comfortable finish. Welcome return to fitness amid the defensive injury crisis.
Sammy Silvera (For Conway, 68’) – 6 – Lively with a few runs when he came on.
Sverre Nypan (For Whittaker, 78’) – N/A
Kaly Sene (For Strelec, 78’) – N/A
Delano Burgzorg (For McGree, 86’) – N/A
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