After finally returning to the Premier League, Middlesbrough fans will be hoping to stave off relegation in 2017.
At the turn of the year, Middlesbrough were well in the hunt for promotion. Seeking some extra firepower to push them firmly up into one of the top two places, Middlesbrough signed Blackburn Rovers forward Jordan Rhodes, for big money.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes
However, despite the extra firepower, Middlesbrough went from the 16th of January to the 15th of February without a win, including losses to Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, casting doubt on their previously impressive promotion push.
Middlesbrough’s Albert Adomah in action with Bristol City’s Joe Bryan
Middlesbrough managed to turn it around though, pushing their chances of promotion right to the final day of the season, where a win or draw against Brighton would be enough to see them finish in one of the top two spots.
Middlesbrough’s David Nugent in action with Brighton’s Gordon Greer
After a hard-fought battle, Middlesbrough vs Brighton finished 1-1, thanks to a goal from Christian Stuani. Finally, after years of disappointment, Aitor Karanka had guided Middlesbrough back to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka poses for a selfie with a fan as he celebrates promotion to the premier league
Moving quickly strengthen their squad over the summer, Middlesbrough brought in a number of big name signings, including Ajax midfielder Viktor Fischer, Atlanta midfielder Marten de Roon, and Spaniards Victor Valdes and Alvaro Negredo.
Alvaro Negredo of Middlesbrough
Kicking off their first season back in the Premier League, Middlesbrough had an excellent start to the month of August. After an opening day 1-1 draw with Stoke City, Middlesbrough picked up a point against Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion, as well as a 1-2 away win against rivals Sunderland, thanks to goals from Christian Stuani.
Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani celebrates scoring their first goal with new signing Viktor Fischer
However, September proved to be tricky, as the Boro suffered three defeats in a row at the hands of Crystal Palace, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Boro fans would have to wait until the end of October for the teams next win, as Karanka’s side beat Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth 2-0, thanks to goals from Gaston Ramirez and Stewart Downing.
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing scores their second goal
November would prove to be another tough month for Boro, but Karanka’s side fought hard, picking up two draws against Manchester City and Premier League Champions, Leicester City. Middlesbrough would finally get back to winning ways at the beginning of December, with a 1-0 win against fellow promoted side, Hull City, thanks to a goal from the ever-present Gaston Ramirez.
Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez scores their first goal
With the new year approaching, and Middlesbrough sitting just above the relegation places, Boro fans will be hoping for an improvement in 2017. However, for a promoted team, the Boro have played exceptionally at times, and with a little more reinforcement, Karanka could well guide his side to safety next year.
Middlesbrough fans celebrate at full time
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