Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson annoyed at dropped Chelsea points

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The Boro centre-back believes his side were good value for at least a point at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson told the club’s official website he is frustrated at dropping two points against Antonio Conte’s impressive Chelsea.

A Diego Costa goal was enough to separate the two sides at the Riverside Stadium, but Boro were impressive in defeat with Chelsea not finding it easy on Teeside.

A stubborn Middlesbrough had a few chances to force themselves back on level terms on Sunday, but much to the disappointment of Gibson, they were unable to take those chances, bringing their three-match unbeaten run to an end.

“I think we controlled large parts of the game against a very good side – especially in the second half – and limited their opportunities,” he told the website.

“We’re disappointed. I think with maybe a better ball or finish at the end we could’ve equalised, but to lose it to a set piece is really frustrating.”

Prior to losing to Chelsea, Boro had put in impressive performances away to Arsenal and Manchester City, earning two points in the process with a comfortable victory over Bournemouth in between.

Conte’s switch to three at the back has rejuvenated Chelsea with six straight Premier League clean sheets and 18 points, taking them to the top of the table and back in the running for the title.

The Italian has impressed at Stamford Bridge, but on Sunday came up against another manager highly regarded in the game.

Former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka has earned huge praise for getting Boro back to the big time, and also for his attractive style of play without compromise, as the Spaniard tries to keep the club in the Premier League at the first attempt.

“Our manager is a very clever man and he sets us up in a way that he feels is best to play against [Chelsea’s tactics],” Gibson said.

“But I thought as the game went on we got to grips with it better. We were obviously demanding a lot from our wingers and full backs because they’re constantly bombing on with their wing backs.

“You can’t really ask a lot more from the lads other than apart from that bit more concentration in the box which proved to be key.”