How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win at Reading?
READING (4-2-3-1):
Jaakkola 6; Yiadom 5, OSHO 7, Blackett 5, Richards 5 (Bodvarsson 85); Rinomhota 5, Bacuna 4; Sims 4 (McCleary 82), Loader 5 (Swift 70, 4), Barrow 5; Baldock 5.
Subs (not used): Mannone (gk), O’Shea, Edwards, McNulty.
MIDDLESBROUGH (5-4-1):
7 Randolph: The majority of his saves were routine, but he left his line effectively and never looked troubled
6 Shotton: Started brightly and made some decent breaks down the right before his injury issues reappeared towards the end of the first half
7 Ayala: Won a series of important headers and controlled Baldock effectively all afternoon – looks comfortable in a back five
7 Flint: Was a prominent presence in both penalty areas, but was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty when he blocked Bacuna’s shot
6 Fry: Returned to the starting line-up as one of three centre-halves and helped ensure Boro’s backline was watertight
8 FRIEND: Scored Boro’s winner with a precise first-time finish and also hit the crossbar with another close-range strike
6 Howson: Produced the pass of the game as he teed up McNair to cross for Friend and tried to get forward whenever possible
6 Clayton: Mopped up at the base of the Boro midfield and ensured Reading’s central players were unable to pose an attacking threat
5 Besic: Wasn’t at the top of his game as too many passes went astray, especially in the first half – was booked for a cynical foul
5 Saville: Was charged with the task of getting forward to support Assombalonga, but couldn’t really pose a threat in the Reading box
6 Assombalonga: Gave his all in his lone striker role, but lacked support for long periods of the game and didn’t really have a chance in the box
Subs:
6 McNair (for Shotton, 37): Performed his defensive duties effectively and claimed an assist as he set up Friend’s winner
8 Wing (for Besic, 66): Made a difference as his energy and desire to break forward helped push Boro onto the front foot
6 Hugill (for Assombalonga, 66): Helped Boro see out the game as he took some hefty late challenges in his stride
(not used): Lonergan (gk), Batth, Tavernier, Braithwaite.
Man Of The Match: GEORGE FRIEND – The wing-back was rock solid in defence, and proved his attacking prowess as he scored a crucial late winner and also struck the crossbar.
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