Middlesbrough – Much of what I expected. Dour and quite defensive. They relied on set plays and knock downs and played for corners and free kicks. General play they did very little which is a shame for them as they have players who can pass but talented players like Saville and also Howson but bypass them often. It was the usual direct ball hoping for Hugill to win the first ball and then get around him. They only played one up top and the first 20 minutes United were the better side but slowly they came into it and Mikel became more influential. Henderson made two decent saves either side of the break; we had a few chances too and the game was quite even up the break but after half time United stepped it up and even though they did have a chance or two; I felt we were the much better side 2nd half and had most of the possession and territory. You felt the goal coming when it did and after the red card, they did not really offer too much at all save the one chance from Assombalonga. I would have been very disappointed with their approach, style and defensive outlook much of the game. United had a few missing but they did not take advantage. They may saw losing Flint (and then Ayala – own fault as Basham was for us) hurt them and two sides were a bit unfamiliar in terms of formation but I felt Wilder changed it and they could not cope with us a for a long spell 2nd half.
Pulis’ after match comments are simply pathetic. He says it was not a foul for the free kick and then a foul on the goal. The free kick one may have been harsh but they had been fouling for long periods and had got away with grappling and grabbing so can’t have it both ways. Stearman was simply stronger for me and the defender got outmuscled. He was screaming for everything and Fleck only got booked as Pulis screamed and shouted – he only dived in as he got pulled back and was on the stretch hence why we got a free kick. His after-match comments were a bit pathetic. United had upped the tempo and deserved to win against a very direct and ugly side who played little football of note. Ironic that we kind of beat them at their own style as we went more direct originally and then got on the scraps after Madine and Sharp won the ball or knocked it back. They had a few efforts 2nd half but overall 1-0 was about right and not sure other than one Assombalonga shot they did much of note after we scored and we held out rather comfortably.
Overall, it is a big defeat for them. Automatic promotion looks a long way off for them. This was a hammer blow and now playoffs may be the best they feel they can do even with quite a few games to go. I am not sure with the style and the lack of goals they can really push for the top two. They do not concede many but they are relying on nicking 1-0’s etc and rarely will go and smash teams (the time they beat us at home a rare occasion they did do this) and actually don’t score as many goals from set plays as you would think. I find it odd he plays Hugill over Assombalonga and also, they leave other talented technical players on the bench. Quite a few fans have had enough of Pulis ball already and it is quite ugly to watch. Today they drew United, missing players, into a disjointed game and then when they concede struggle to have a plan B. I actually would not be shocked if teams like Bristol City and Derby beat them to a playoff spot. They do not look a side that is going to go on a run and win a number of games due to the aforementioned reason; they do not score enough.
Opponent man of the match – Mikel was the best player on the field first half and controlled midfield from about 15 minutes to half time and we struggled to get a hold on him. He did not create much but just held it well and protected the defence well too. After the break we kind of cut him out and went more direct. Friend is a decent player who can defend and get forward but he had to do more of the former 2nd half. The defence was solid first half but then struggled with Madine and of course Flint going off did not help them at all. I thought that Wing showed some bits and the wing back Shotton was a strong lad who offered a threat with his long throw. Downing also got on the ball and had one decent shot that Henderson eventually got away. The two quicker lads came on Assambolonga and also Van la Parra but they did not see much of the ball.
Weak link – Ayala committed two stupid yellow cards in fairly quick succession. They were both obvious and easy yellow cards. The 2nd was idiotic. Not sure there can be any argument. Interesting Pulis glosses over these when analysing the referee and does not critique his own defender’s stupidity. I thought Hugill was pretty dire and just fouled all game. Glad he started rather than the subs who eventually came on. They looked quite powder puff up top but did not get many crosses in and rely on the long stuff and direct knock downs. Shame as they do have some decent players but are almost drilled into playing that way.
Henderson 7.5/10 – Showed a lot of character to bounce back from the Villa game. Came and caught one big catch amongst bodies and this set the tone. He was determined to claim it. After this he was positive all night. He punched a few away; one he maybe did not get much on but got away, made a diving save from a long ranger first half that showed his athleticism. He then made two key saves 2nd half; one which maybe he spilt a bit but did enough and we got it away with the fortune we did not have on Friday when he did the same (albeit a softer shot) and then made a save with his legs. He showed what he is all about and recovered superbly.
Baldock 7/10 – Was doing ok in what seemed a more orthodox right back position at times but he did get forward a few times also. He was fine but they did stop our defenders getting forward and everything was a bit fixed first half.
Stevens 7/10 – Thought it was not his best first half and he gave it away quite a bit. At times almost was a left sided centre back but then a left back and then a left wing back depending on where we were on the pitch. He was careless in a few things early but much better 2nd half and in all aspects of his play on and off the ball he improved. When they lost a man he could push up more and had more time on the ball. Still refuses to use his right foot in any situation!
Egan 8/10 – Excellent performance. Completely bossed Hugill all night. Only lost one header and they had the long ranger they nearly scored from. I felt after this he won everything and also stepped out when he could and came forward using the ball. A few times he was right in the last third and playing the Basham role. Made a few key headers when it mattered when they lumped it forward.
Cranie 7.5/10 – Really steady performance. Nothing fancy and he does not do what Basham does but even today he got forward a few times and stepped out when he could do. He was just solid. He used it well, made interceptions and played the percentages when he had to.
Fleck 6.5/10 – At times decent as he stepped out of midfield and ran at players and some neat and tidy stuff. Too often his final pass went astray or he panicked when in a good position with a silly shot or overplayed ball. He also was a bit silly when he overstretched on the tackle after he was fouled originally. Some refs might have reacted to Pulis’ jumping up and down and sent him off for the intent. Needs to use his head better. He did keep it well in the closing stages and showed some intelligent play.
Norwood 6/10 – Thought he was poor tonight and actually other than the great free kick for the goal (yes a big moment) he was wasteful on his set plays, corners and passing. He did play a few decent crossfield balls but also telegraphed a few too; got another booking and gave it away twice leading to half chances. A bit too complacent and Mikel actually got hold of the midfield after the early stages. Did better as the game closed out than he did v Villa but our better play came more from longer stuff up to the front two than the midfield playing lots of intricate stuff. On 9 bookings is he now – he may miss the Wednesday game of course if he picks up another in either of the next two games.