How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over Cardiff?
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):
6 Daniels: Made a couple of routine saves as Cardiff threatened from outside the area, but was never seriously extended
7 Dijksteel: Prevented Cardiff’s forwards from creating any space in the final third and made a number of important challenges
7 Bamba: Seemed to enjoy his tussle with Hugill and strained every sinew to keep the back door closed – should maybe have scored in the second half
7 McNair: Another dominant display from the Northern Irishman, who defended solidly and stepped out with the ball when possible
6 Jones: Got into some dangerous positions in the second half, but was never really able to produce a telling delivery
7 McGree: Broke into some excellent areas in the 18-yard box and claimed his second goal in five days in the second half
8 HOWSON: Dominated the heart of midfield and ensured Cardiff’s playmakers were never able to enjoy any time on the ball
7 Tavernier: Opened the scoring with a superb strike into the bottom corner and was a constant threat from midfield
6 Bola: Defended aggressively and was always trying to get onto the front foot and make a difference in an attacking sense
5 Watmore: Covered a lot of ground, as is generally the case, but needs to be more clinical in the final third
5 Balogun: Wasted a couple of decent first-half positions by straying offside and didn’t really threaten before he was withdrawn just after the hour
Subs:
5 Sporar (for Balogun, 61): Didn’t really threaten the Cardiff goal in the final half-hour
Connolly (for Watmore, 75)
(not used): Lumley (gk), Hall, Peltier, Payero, Coburn.
CARDIFF (4-5-1):
Phillips 6; Drameh 5, Nelson 4, Denham 5, Ng 5; Colwill 4, Vaulks 5, Doyle 4, Wintle 4, WATTERS 6 (Harris 63, 4); Hugill 6 (Collins 79).
Subs (not used): Luthra (gk), McGuinness, Flint, King, Semenyo.
Man Of The Match: JONNY HOWSON – The Middlesbrough midfielder established the platform for his side’s success.
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