Boro Mania

Tuncay Sanli led Boro to a fantastic away victory at Villa Park and cemented Boro’s place in the top half of the Premiership table.

Middlesbrough went into the game with just one change from their previous outing. Justin Hoyte came into the side to replace David Wheater who dropped to the bench. Disappointingly for Boro fans, Mido picked up another knock in training and was unavailable for selection. Hoping to catch the home side with a European hangover, Boro’s spirits were raised as former favourite Luke Young and big centre forward, John Carew were missing through injury.

Boro celebrate Tuncay's opener

This was a cracking game of football in less than ideal conditions and it was the home side who started brightly, Gabriel Agbonlahor broke the Boro offside trap and darted forward. His cross was poor, however, and Ashley Young could not get on the end of it.

In the thirteenth minute Stewart Downing, looking a lot more confident today, cut inside and found himself in space, twenty-five yards out. As the Villa defence closed in on the England International, he smashed a wicked shot at goal, which flashed narrowly wide.

A fairly even first half in which both sides had chances saw the deadlock broken in the thirty fourth minute as Tuncay chased down a ball from Downing, Nick Shorey made a mess of dealing with it and Tuncay made no mistake from six yards out.

The lead, however, was not to last and the home side were level just 3 minutes later. A frenzied attack saw Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have shots blocked before James Milner stood a cross up to the back post and Steve Sidwell rose above Downing to head home.

Middlesbrough reacted positively to the set back and played some excellent football in an attack involving Downing, Hoyte and Tuncay creating a chance for Afonso Alves, the Brazilian couldn’t convert though.

Going in at half time, the game had been pretty even but Boro were disappointed to have given up a lead that they had worked hard for. Neither manager made changes at half time.

Gabby Agbonlahor had a great chance early in the second half as Villa came out of the traps well, his pace took him clear of Chris Riggott but Ross Turnbull came out and prevened a goal scoring opportunity.

The game had opened up and the play was going from end to end with both sides attacking well. Ross Turnbull was called into action again on 58 minutes, Gareth Barry cut the ball back and Milner should have scored from eight yards out, Turnbull though pulled off an outstanding save to deny him.

The game continued at break neck pace with Boro hitting Villa on the counter attack and it was Boro who had the better chances late on. First Chris Riggott got on the end of a corner but his goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Ashley Young. Then a speculative effort by Didier Digard has parried by Brad Friedel and Afonso Alves, six yards out, completely fluffed his chance to put Boro back in front. Alves was subbed for Julio Arca immediately after missing the chance.

With just minutes remaining the ball was with Steve Sidwell who thought he had more time than he did, his attempt at getting the ball back to Friedel was interceped by Tuncay, and the Turk fired the ball home to steal the points.

Villa threw everything at Boro in an attempt to rescue a point but unlike in previous games there was to be no late goal heartache for Boro. An absolutely fantastic result for the Boro, puts them in 8th place in the Premiership.

Player Ratings

Ross Turnbull - 8 - Any lingering doubts in Turnbull’s ability must surely be gone by now. I feel confident with him in goal that he will bail us out when needed and he made some important saves today.

Justin Hoyte - 8 - Starting to look the part now that he is settled in. Bombed forward down the right and defended very well.

Andrew Taylor - 7 - Solid performance from Taylor and he linked well with Downing.

Emanuel Pogatetz - 8 - Solid performance again at the back, has brought a little grit and leadership back into the team.

Chris Riggott - 8 - I really thought Wheater should have been in the team but credit to Southgate for sticking with Riggs, he was excellent today and made some outstanding blocks and interceptions.

Jeremie Aliadiere - 7 - Worked hard and tested Villa with his pace, not one of his most impressive attacking displays but played his part.

Stewart Downing - 8 - A much improved display from Stewy today, was at the heart of all Boro’s attacking play and had a couple of good efforts on goal.

Gary O’Neil - 6 - Worked hard but was fairly quiet in the heart of the midfield.

Didier Digard - 6 - Worked hard and got involved, has a habit of trying the “hollywood” ball a little too often that needs ironing out.

Afonso Alves - 5 - Alves fluffed his lines when given a golden opportunity.

Tuncay Sanli - 9 - The talismanic Turk grabbed both goals and is fast becoming a legend on Teesside.

related post

• Super Tuncay wins the game for Boro at Villa Park
• Hovancik and Matic to train with Boro
• Transfer rumours heating up ahead of January - Update #1
• One to Watch - James Cronesberry
• Boro looking to sign Nemanja Matic?

Feeling Lucky? Get a FREE bet when you sign up with Coral