Middlesbrough ran out 2-1 winners against Sunderland in David Moyes’ first home Premiership game in charge.
Here’s five things we learned from the game:
Sunderland’s ongoing defensive issues
Sunderland’s defence appears to be struggling to cope with the demands of the Premier League. Moyes opted to start with a back line of Donald Love, John O’Shea, Papy Dijilobodji and Patrick van Aanholt.
Love will certainly need time to bed in following his move from Manchester United, while Dijilobodji still appears to be getting over his torrid spell at Chelsea. When under pressure the Senegalese international failed to cope with Alvaro Negredo’s movement, with the Spaniard frequently able to drag the centre back out of position creating space for the Middlesbrough midfielders.
With Lamine Kone out injured and Younes Kaboul’s sale to Watford, the back line is certainly an area in which Sunderland have to improve. O’Shea also looks like he’ll need more game time, so Moyes will probably be in the market for reinforcements before the transfer window shuts in 10 days.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
Direct is better for Sunderland
With the attacking players Sunderland have in Defoe, Lens, Januzaj and Watmore, they do have the ability to effectively play direct. Countless times in the second half we saw Sunderland cause Middlesbrough problems going forward, especially following crosses from Januzaj. Given the opportunity, Sunderland are a threat.
Januzaj refinding his mojo, Watmore continues to improve
Under Moyes at Manchester United Januzaj featured 27 times, scoring four goals. He hasn’t played more games in a single season since then.
The first half Januzaj was able to run full back George Friend ragged at times with his directness and trickery. The Middlesbrough full back struggled to stop the on loan Manchester United player cutting in and going on the outside. Januzaj’s unpredictability was the most exciting thing to watch.
Watmore was at the heart of the majority of the Sunderland attacks where he played just behind striker Defoe. He is continuing his fine form into this campaign. Last term he featured 23 times for Sunderland, scoring three goals including a big strike against Norwich City.
Middlesbrough need to be more comfortable when in the lead
Middlesbrough got pegged back against Stoke last week, and it nearly happened agin at Sunderland. After going 2-0 up inside the first 45 minutes, Aitor Karanka’s side made hard work of it after letting the home side back in the game.
An impressive start to life in the Premier League for Middlesbrough
Most Middlesbrough fans would have taken 4 points from their first 2 Premier League games. It’s clearly very early doors, but a decent start does take the pressure off. Another 4 points from the next 2 games – away at West Brom and home to Palace – must now be a realistic target. Middlesbrough have already started to show that they can compete in this league.
Middlesbrough celebrate with the trophy after being promoted to the Barclays Premier League
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