Preston North End midfielder Ben Whiteman singled out Chuba Akpom and the ‘excellent’ Cameron Archer following Middlesbrough’s 4-0 thumping of Ryan Lowe’s team at Riverside, speaking to Lancs Live.
With Michael Carrick’s future the subject of much speculation following Crystal Palace’s sacking of Patrick Vieira, the Boro boss proved that nothing will distract him from the task at hand as one of the EFL’s form sides picked up another crushing victory on home soil.
Akpom took his tally to 25 before Archer netted twice against the team he represented during a fine loan spell 12 months ago. With Akpom and Archer in such exhilarating form, even the Championship’s most watertight backlines would spring a leak or two.
“They have got two players at the top of the pitch who are flying at the minute,” admits Whiteman. “We’ve all seen how good Cammy Archer is and he was excellent again today.
“(Carrick) played at the top level for Man United and he is going to be a top manager. He has turned them right round, so credit to them and their staff. They were good today and miles the better team.”
Preston North End lose 4-0 at Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough
Marcus Forss’ stoppage time strike was the glacier cherry on top of a very tasty performance; Middlesbrough ensuring that the gap between themselves in third and second-place Sheffield United stands at just three points.
“They are a good team,” Whiteman explains. “If you give the ball away in bad areas, when they leave three or four up the pitch, with their running power and pace they are going to hurt you.
“They have got the two boys at the top of the pitch who are flying. They drag you into areas and with their power and pace. You worry about the one in behind, which is understandable. Today was probably a little bit of a lesson, really.”
“Everything they do,” Lowe adds. “The movement, interchanges, passing, pass appreciation, shots, goals, the energy… They have got the lot. So fair play to Michael and his team and players.
“Middlesbrough Football Club is now on the up, for where they want to get to. I thought they were fantastic today.”
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