Boro Mania

A strong Middlesbrough side cruised into the next round of the Carling Cup following the 5-1 demolition over League One side Yeovil Town.

I must point out that I can’t really comment on the opening 25 minutes of this match as I was stuck outside the Riverside Stadium queuing for tickets. I foolishly decided not to book tickets ahead of this one as I didn’t expect there would be that many people turning up to buy tickets on the night. Obviously I was wrong and waited about 40 minutes to get into the stadium missing the opening two goals, getting in just in time to see Mido clear the North stand with an attempt on goal. Lesson learned.

By the time I took to my seat Middlesbrough were comfortably in a 2 goal advantage courtesy of Mido and Didier Digard. By all accounts Didier Digard’s goal was a long range belter that the Yeovil ‘keeper got his fingertips to but couldn’t keep out.

The third goal was scored by Jeremie Aliadiere as he cut in from his right wing position to drill a left foot shot into the bottom corner, a good strike from Jeremie who continues to impress in a right sided role.

Boro looked to be heading into half time 3-0 up but some slack marking from a Yeovil free kick allowed Gavin Tomlin the chance to volley home past the stranded Ross Turnbull. From where I was sat it looked as though Mido had played everybody on side in his attempts to help out the defence, but I may be wrong?

The second half started with a goal as a good passing move saw Didier Digard play Hoyte into a good position on the right hand side. The former Arsenal man whipped in a superb cross to another debutant, Marvin Emnes, who headed the ball home.

It was all Boro in the second half as Yeovil began to sit very deep allowing Digard to dictate the play in the midfield. Adam Johnson and Mido were linking well and the pair seemed to be enjoying the game, seing plenty of possesion. It was Adam Jonson who completed the scoring to cap an impressive performance, taking a pass from Mido on the edge on the area and curling a left footed shot past the helpless Yeovil keeper.

A very solid performance form Middlesbrough who had players out there keen to stake a claim, I think the hunger to show what they could do shone through. Mido was obviously keen to continue his fine start to the season, Johnson is looking to put pressure on Downing and Southgate and he put in a fine performance, the three new players were all trying to work there way into the starting 11 too. It was the sort of game that has slipped Boro up in the past but last night they went about the game in the right way, showed a very professional attitude and let their quality shine through.

Player Ratings

Ross Turnbull - 6 - To be fair Ross didn’t have a lot to do, he had a couple of shots that he dealt with and could do nothing with the goal as he was hung out to dry by slack marking.

Jonathan Grounds - 7 - I was once again impressed by Jon Grounds at left back and thought he defended well for the most part and looked to get forward whenever he could. Looks as if he needs to bulk up a bit and would probably benefit from a loan move at this stage.

Justin Hoyte - 8 - I was impressed with Hoyte, he defended well and looked comfortable on the ball. What impressed me most was his delivery from wide positions. I thought he swung over a couple of very good crosses in the second half, one of which Emnes converted.

Chris Riggott - 7 - It was good to see Riggott back and he looked solid enough. Is gonna find it hard to get Premier League games barring injuries/suspensions though.

Emanuel Pogatetz - 7 - Poggy played for 73 minutes and was very solid again at the heart of the defence. It looks increasingly likely that Southgate is going to limit using him as a left back so it poses an interesting question about who will start between him, Huth and Wheater.

Jeremie Aliadiere - 7 - Took his goal very well and gave Boro an added attacking option. Seems to be settling into the right winger role.

Didier Digard - 9 - Personally I thought Digard really stood out in this game. His passing was excellent, both long range and short range. He has a good shot on him and looks to get forward when he can. The most impressive thing about him is the air of confidence and presence he brought to the midfield.

Mohamed Shawky - 7 - I’m starting to warm to Shawky in the Boro midfield. These last couple of games I think he has put in very underrated performances. He seems to do the dirty, un-spectacular things well in the midfield. Breaking up play and hassling the opposition before passing the ball simple to a teammate. An Egyptian Doriva maybe?

Adam Johnson - 8 - Another impressive performance to go with his pre-season displays. Has bags of confidence to go with his ability but how will Southgate get him more playing time to keep him happy?

Mido - 9 - The talismanic striker was at his confident, fit and arrogant best last night. Got a goal to make it 3 in 3 but his overall display was excellent. Wanted the ball all the time, linked well with the midfield and chased the opposition down when they had the ball. On this form I have to say he has got to start against Stoke.

Marvin Emnes - 7 - Emnes blew a little hot and cold for me last night and you can see why Southgate hasn’t brought him straight into the team. He has a lot of ability and at times showed it but he is also quite raw and his choice of final ball wasn’t always great. Took his goal well and linked up with Mido to cause Yeovil problems.

Subs

Josh Walker - 6 - Josh was came into the midfield and played quite a defensive role. His passing was neat and tidy and he got forward a couple of times near the end of the game.

Gary O’Neil - 6 - Came on down the right hand side and didn’t really impose himself on the game. A couple of neat touches but the game was well won by the time he came on.

Rhys Williams - 7 - Rhys, recently called up to the full Wales squad, came on for Pogatetz and looked composed. Defended well when Yeovil had a couple of free kicks near the end.

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