How did the Middlesbrough players fare in their 3-1 win over Norwich City?
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-4-3):
6 Dieng: Didn’t have a chance with Norwich’s goal, but successfully parried an earlier goal-bound effort from Barnes
6 McNair: Had a shaky start playing as the right of the three centre-halves, but improved as he began stepping out of defence in the second half
6 Van den Berg: Was the steadiest of Boro’s three centre-halves, although his task became much easier when Norwich were reduced in numbers
5 Clarke: Struggled badly in the opening half-hour, and was at fault for Barnes’ goal as he stood off the forward
8 Ayling: Looked well suited to the wing-back role down the right and delivered an excellent cross for Engel’s goal
6 Howson: Lured Sainz into the senseless kick that resulted in his dismissal and kept Boro driving forward when they had an extra man
6 O’Brien: Kept things ticking over at the heart of midfield and was generally neat and tidy with his passing
8 ENGEL: Was the pick of the Boro side in the left wing-back berth – scored with an excellent volley and offered an attacking threat all night
7 Forss: Was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring and was a lively presence for most of the night in the final third
7 Latte Lath: Could barely believe his luck as he was afforded the freedom of the penalty area for his goal – led the line effectively
7 McGree: Displayed plenty of energy and made a number of effective breaks into the box as Boro gained the upper hand
Subs:
5 Barlaser (for Howson, 69): Was able to cruise through the closing stages of the game without being seriously extended
5 Silvera (for Latte Lath, 69): Didn’t have to do anything to change the game in the final 20 minutes
6 Dijksteel (for Ayling, 69): Kept trying to get forward down the right, and came close with an effort that was saved
Azaz (for McGree, 79)
Gilbert (for Forss, 86)
(not used): Glover (gk), Thomas, Greenwood, Jones.
NORWICH (4-2-3-1):
Gunn 5; Stacey 5, Hanley 4 (Sorensen 70), Gibson 5, GIANNOULIS 6; Sara 5, McLean 5 (van Hooijdonk 76); Fassnacht 5 (Nunez 46, 4), Barnes 5 (Welch 86), Sainz 3; Sargent 5 (Gibbs 70).
Subs (not used): Long (gk), Batth, McCallum, Fisher.
Man Of The Match: LUKAS ENGEL – The summer signing looked ideally suited to playing at wing-back and capped a fine attacking display with a superb volleyed goal.
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