How the Middlesbrough players rated after their 1-1 draw with Leicester City
Middlesbrough players look frustrated at the final whistle(Image: PA)
Middlesbrough slipped up again in the race for automatic promotion as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester City.
Now three games without a win, they had Riley McGree to thank for earning them a point. But on a lethargic evening where didn’t quite find their usual levels, while once again struggling to break down an organised defence, Boro let Ipswich right back into the promotion race.
With few players able to take much credit from the game, here’s how the Boro players rated in their Leicester draw at the Riverside.
Sol Brynn – 6
Not much he could do with the goal, then dealt well enough with what little else he had two, including his usual commanding of his area.
Callum Brittain – 6
Got forward well throughout and regularly overlapped to the byline. He just didn’t ever quite manage to find the killer pass that resulted in a goal.
Adilson Malanda – 6
Largely dominant throughout, as he helped Boro stay on the front foot with his dominance. He did give away a couple of sloppy fouls though, one of which resulted in the Leicester goal.
Luke Ayling – 4
Beaten in the air for the goal then had an error-ridden performance from there. It was a very off evening for the veteran.
Matt Targett – 5
Off night for the usually composed Newcastle loanee. He looked edgy in possession throughout and didn’t shape himself well enough on the left, meaning he missed a few opportunities to play piercing balls down the channel.
Alan Browne – 5
Couldn’t get into the game. The ball didn’t stick enough when he did get it.
Aidan Morris – 6
One of those performances that can easily go unheralded. Busy and energetic throughout, helping Boro stay on the front foot and in command. He also intercepted the pass that set Boro on their way to getting a vital equaliser.
Hayden Hackney – 7
Regularly driving his team forward as usual, and finding a few great passes in behind to get team-mates to the byline. Thankfully they did take one, with his ball through for Conway for that one so crucial.
Morgan Whittaker – 4
Offered little yet again, as his dip in form starts to cause concern.
Riley McGree – 7
When Boro needed a moment to get something out of the game, it felt typical that McGree was that man. He could have been tidier in possession at times, but he at least had some rare urgency in the game, and was unlucky not to get a winner.
Tommy Conway – 6
As if often the case, he moved wide often and worked hard for the team. He also provided the one cut-back that actually resulted in a Boro goal. But, with the exception of one decent effort just before the equaliser when urged to shoot, he still lacked conviction and didn’t ever really look a threat to get a goal.
Substitutions
Jeremy Sarmiento (For Browne, 65’) – 7 – Added a bit of spark and intent that Boro had been largely missing otherwise when he came on. He just couldn’t quite make it count.
David Strelec (For Whittaker, 65’) – 6 – Also had some bright moments and touches from the bench. But missed a good opportunity and struggled, like Conway to make himself look a major threat,
Dael Fry (For Ayling, 83’) – N/A
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