Middlesbrough managed a draw against fellow promotion hopefuls Derby County at home earlier today. After a stuttering first-half where the hosts were a goal down, the Smoggies came back strongly in the second period to a point following Jayden Bogle’s own goal.
Middlesbrough player ratings
Darren Randolph 8/10
The custodian made a string of stupendous saves in the first half when the visiting side were running riot. Finished the game with a total of seven saves.
Daniel Ayala 6/10
Ayala struggled to cope with the likes of Jack Marriott and Tom Lawrence early on but improved in the second half. Won a total of four aerial duels and three tackles.
Aden Flint 6.5/10
Just like Ayala, Flint was all over the place in the initial 30 minutes of the game. A lot more resilience was expected from him.
Dael Fry 6/10
Fry was shambolic initially but improved after Pulis made some tactical changes.
Paddy McNair 5/10
He endured a forgettable first-half in the right wing-back position as he was questioned time and again by the Derby attackers.
Jonny Howson 7/10
The midfielder showcased a lot of energy and work-ethic throughout the game and left no stone unturned in helping his side muster more attacking urgency.
Adam Clayton 6/10
Clayton failed to assert his midfield dominance and finished the game without a single tackle.
Muhamed Besic 7/10
He was resilient in the middle of the park and he made some good tackles (3) to break play.
George Friend 6/10
Friend operated as a wing-back as well as a full-back when the situation demanded him to. He led by an example and delivered some good crosses into the box. Bounced back well after the own-goal.
Stewart Downing 7/10
Downing’s experience was evident as he made some significant moves on and off the ball. Was composed with his passing (100% accuracy).
Britt Assombalonga 5/10
He lacked adequate support and the element of confidence was missing. Was dispossessed twice.
Substitutions
Martin Braithwaite 7/10
Braithwaite replaced McNair early in the second half and added more pace.
George Saville 6/10
The midfielder replaced Besic in the 55th minute and dictated the tempo of the game well.
Rudy Gestede 5/10
He had a glorious chance to score with a glancing header from a corner which couldn’t find the back of the net.
