Middlesbrough played out a 0-0 draw with West Brom at the Hawthorns Sunday.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Middlesbrough continued their unbeaten start to the season with a goalless draw against Tony Pulis’ West Brom.
In an unremarkable game of relatively few chances, both teams struggled to take the game to the oppostion. The point gained does, however, see Boro move up to 6th position in the Premier League table.
Middlesbrough’s start has pleased fans and boss Aitor Karanka. The manager will now turn his attention to finalising business in the transfer market, before preparing for the next home match against Crystal Palace.
Here’s how the players rated in Sunday’s match:
Brad Guzan – 6/10
Middlesbrough’s Brad Guzan
The American shot-stopper didn’t have much to do in the game, but looked assured throughout. For a player that copped a lot of flack last season at Aston Villa, Guzan has shown himself to be a capable understudy to the currently injured Victor Valdes. His transfer raised a few eyebrows amongst Boro fans, but Guzan has acquitted himself well so far in his Middlesbrough career.
Emilio Nsue – 5/10
Middlesbrough’s Emilio Nsue in action
Not the best afternoon Emilio Nsue has had in a Boro shirt. The right back found space in the West Brom half on numerous occasions and got in good positions to deliver crosses, but his final ball let his side down. He looked suspect in the first half when James McClean had the ball at his feet and space to run at the right-back. You would suspect that when George Friend returns to fitness in the near future, Nsue may lose his spot in the team as Antonio Barragan comes across from left-back.
Daniel Ayala – 7/10
A very strong return to the Boro starting lineup for this Spanish centre-back, who despite clattering into Brendon Galloway in the first minute to pick up one of the quickest yellow cards in recent memory, did an excellent job of keeping dangerous frontman Salomon Rondon quiet for the whole game. Having Ayala back was a huge boost for the Boro.
Ben Gibson – 7/10
It was another utterly solid performance from captain for the day Ben Gibson. Quickly rekindled his rapport with fellow defender Dani Ayala, and if they can reform the tight partnership they had in the Championship last year then that will go some way to securing the team’s survival this season. Always in the right place at the right time to make crucial tackles and blocks, it’s been a good start to life in the top flight for local lad Gibson.
Antonio Barragan – 6/10
In the absence of captain George Friend and new signing Fabio, Barragan was moved from the centre of defence to the left. The Spaniard put in a reasonable shift, but is too right-footed to be able to be an effective attacking left back who gets down the byline to deliver crosses. Probably Barragan’s least impressive Boro performance so far, but Karanka didn’t sign him to play as a left-back.
Adam Forshaw – 8/10
Forshaw challenges West Brom’s Craig Gardner
With Middlesbrough missing Marten de Roon and Grant Leadbetter, Forshaw – who was linked with a move away from the club earlier in the summer – is quickly establishing himself as one of the first names on the Boro team sheet. The former Everton academy graduate got on the ball and distributed perfectly, combining short and long passes to unlock the West Brom defence. Not only does Forshaw rarely give the ball away, he also works very hard to get it back when his team are not in possession, executing plenty of tackles and interceptions in an all action display. It’s hard to believe that this midfielder saw so little first team action in the Championship last season, but he’s proving to be a crucial player for Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
Adam Clayton – 6/10
A very similar performance to Forshaw, but Clayton gets a lower score for his unwillingness to have a shot at goal. Add goals to his game and Clayton can become one of England’s leading central midfielders.
Christian Stuani – 6/10
Stuani would have had to go some to recreate his heroics in the Sunderland game, but it was another encouraging performance from the Uruguayan. His physical presence is a big plus for the side, but much like Nsue his final ball was lacking. With Albert Adomah having turned down a contract renewal offer at the club, Stuani is becoming an increasingly important part of the side.
Gaston Ramirez – 6/10
Showed some good touches, but struggled to penetrate the Baggies centre-back pairing of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley. Appeared to come off with a slight knock in the second half, which will concern the Boro faithful. Ramirez is still the Reds’ key creative spark, but he didn’t quite live up to the supporters’ high hopes.
Stewart Downing – 7/10
Downing could have posed more of a threat down the left wing, but it’s the player’s defensive work as much as his attacking efforts that are so helpful to his team. With a new partner on Middlesbrough’s left hand side in Barragan, Downing provided much needed cover when the likes of Matt Phillips was bearing down on the defender. He also seems to be one of the fittest players in the team, who have appeared to tire towards the end of matches so far this season.
Alvaro Negredo – 7/10
Despite scoring on the opening day against Stoke, this was Negredo’s best day so far in Middlesbrough red. Not only did he compete in every aerial battle, but Boro fans also saw glimpses of how dangerous Negredo can be when he has the ball at his feet and the opportunity to run at a defender. Didn’t have great service, but another strong showing from Boro’s number 10.
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