Boro Mania

Middlesbrough got their season off to a great start at the Riverside yesterday against Tottenham Hotspur as they scored all the goals in a 2-1 win.

Brad Jones was handed the start in goal to the surprise of a number of fans and, in a makeshift back four, David Wheater was played out of position at right back. The problem position for Boro looks to have been solved with former Arsenal player, Justin Hoyte, unveiled to the fans prior to kick off.

Both sides began the game brightly with Boro creating the better chances. A pacy attack gave Spurs problems with Tuncay and Aliadiere creating chances early on. At the other end David Bentley fired a shot wide following good play from Giovanni Dos Santos.

Boro should have taken the lead after 18 minutes, great work from Tuncay Sanli took him past Spurs full back Assou-Ekotto. He pulled the ball back for Alves who looked odds on to score, unfortunately the Brazilian took too long to get his shot off and the recovering Spurs defender managed to deflect the shot over.

On the half hour mark Boro had the ball in back of the Spurs net only to see the goal wrongly ruled out by referee Martin Atkinson. A Stewy Downing corner was met by David Wheater who powered his header past Gomes. The referee disallowed the goal but on inspection of the highlights it was clear that Wheater was being fouled and the goal should have stood.

Boro were pressing hard and Alves fired over from another promising position after good work from Aliadiere. Going in at half time level Boro had been the better side and were unlucky not to be ahead.

The second half started off a bit scrappy with both sides carving out half chances. Dimitar Berbatov was introduced to the game and he set up Jermaine Jenas for Tottenham’s best chance. The former Newcastle midfielder was played through by the Bulgarian but Brad Jones saved well with his feet.

The opening goal came at the other end as Afonso Alves got to a Downing cross. His effort was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Gomes but David Wheater was on hand to smash home the rebound. The goal brought about a change for Boro as Didier Digard was brought on for the impressive Tuncay moving Gary O’Neill to the right flank.

It was O’Neill who had the next chance for Boro, meeting another Downing cross to head towards goal. The effort was straight at Gomes though. Tottenham pressed for an equaliser with Daren Bent turning well on the edge of the Boro box but his fierce, curling effort was just wide of Brad Jones’ goal. Boro then gifted a chance to Gareth Bale as David Wheater cushioned the ball back to the keeper off his chest, Bale nipped in but his attempt was stopped by Jones.

Boro then extended their lead as two substitutes combined to put the game to bed. Jeremie Aliadiere burst forward and played the ball into Gary O’Neill. A smart back heel presented a shooting opportunity to Didier Digard, his shot looked to be heading well wide but Mido managed to get his toe to the ball, deflecting it past the helpless Gomes. It was a fitting reward for the Egyptian who looked in great shape following a lot of hard work in pre-season.

There was still time for Boro to concede however as Robert Huth glanced a David Bentley cross into his own net. Disappointing for Brad Jones not to hold onto a clean sheet but Middlesbrough held on for a well deserved 3 points.

Middlesbrough: Jones; Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz (Capt), Taylor, Aliadiere, O’Neil, Shawky, Downing, Tuncay (Digard, 72), Alves (Mido 82). Unused subs: Turnbull (gk); Williams, Grounds, Emnes, Johnson.

Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes; Zokora, Woodgate, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto (O’Hara 76), Lennon (Bale 65), Modric, Jenas (Capt), Bentley, Dos Santos (Berbatov 65), Bent. Unused subs: Cesar (gk); King, Huddlestone, Gunter.

Player Analysis

Brad Jones - 7 - a few eyebrows were raised when the Aussie was handed the start. Jones played well, making a couple of good saves. A few early crosses I felt he could have dealt with better but overall a good performance.

Andrew Taylor - 6 - I thought Taylor was given a tough time by Aaron Lennon. He stuck to it and linked well with Downing but I was relieved to see Lennon brought off by Ramos.

David Wheater - 7 - Wheater was played out of position and at times it was evident. His defending was solid but his use of the ball at times was poor. A couple of opportunities to swing crosses into the box were not used well, but he’s not a full back. Scored the opener and will be looking forward to moving inside to his prefered role.

Emmanuel Pogatetz - 7 - Poggy played well, nothing spectacular but stuck to his defending and handled the Spurs attack well. Played for a lot of the game with a bandaged head.

Robert Huth - 7 - Very solid alongside Pogatetz, dealt with Bent well. Can consider himself unlucky with the own goal.

Stewart Downing - 8 - Downing was a constant threat to Tottenham and was always looking for the ball. His delivery is a potent weapon and will be key to Boro’s success.

Jeremie Aliadiere - 7 - Played on the right wing and created a few good chances for Boro. His pace was a threat to Tottenham but he should have scored at the end when through on goal.

Mohamed Shawky - 7 - Got stuck in to stifle the Tottenham midfield, thought his use of the ball cold have been better. Seemed to improve when Digard was brought in alongside him.

Gary O’Neill - 6 - I thought O’Neill struggled in the central role and gave the ball away a lot. Improved when he moved to the right and had a hand in the second goal.

Tuncay Sanli - 8 - Tuncay was excellent in the first half. Always showing fo the ball and running at the Spurs backline. Faded a little in the second half but linked well with Alves.

Afonso Alves - 7 - Alves lead the line well but really should have been on the scoresheet.

Subs

Didier Digard - 6 - Looked impressive when he was introduced. Quick and hard in the tackle, look forward to seeing more of him.

Mido - 7 - Took his goal well and looked up for the game. Looks leaner, if he can stay fit I feel he will be an important player for Boro this season.

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