Bubbling Boro In Away Win Shock!
JUST got back from a thoroughly professional dismantling of Swansea heartened by a game that exorcised a few ghosts and offered some big positives.
Most importantly Boro leaped a massive psychological hurdle and after 12 straight defeats on the road finally won an away game. The last away win was at Aston Villa last November. The last win in Wales was even further back in time, Tony Mowbray getting a last minute goal in a 1-0 third division win in 1986-87. The last time Boro slayed a dragon was the Ayresome Park return with Newport that term with Gary Gill on target.
But there was more: three goals (the first time that has happened away from home since a win at Birmingham in McClaren's last season) including a sizzler from Marvin Emnes; arguably they should have had more with Wheater rattling the bar from a corner and a flurry of good chances late on; another clean sheet with Berlin Wall Robert Huth immense again; an electrifying cameo and rare headed goal from Tuncay in what could yet be his Swans-song; width and pace from Adam Johnson and Mark Yeates again - a potent double act that could be Boro's trump card this season; and an imperious midfield masterclass from Gary O'Neil.
Yes, Swansea were disappointing. With key players either departed or injured they were a shadow of the side that impressed at times last term but they had their moments: with Leon Britton pulling the strings in the first half they found a lot of space down the flanks and had some good chances. Danny Coyne had to make some timely saves and Huth and Wheater both needed to make blocking tackles in the first half while after the break Swansea they had a brief spell and the keeper made a crucial save from a curling Orlandi free-kick. But you can only beat what is in front of you and Boro quickly came to terms with the Swans and then showed a clinical professionalism to take them apart.
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Anthony Vickers
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Hopefully that result is just what the doctor ordered, if it installs a belief in themselves that they can score goals, keep clean sheets and win games it will have been a great day.
Boro West Oz.
Surely not the green shoots of recovery? Too early to have turned the corner? Or maybe, at last, some of the lessons have been learned? No, let's get the feet on the ground. A really good result. Now let's see if we can build on it.
Incidentally, his goal and his performances right at the end of last season, suggest that Emnes should have had a lot more starts than he had. It isn't as if the other "strikers" on show last season were pulling up trees, is it?
I thought the last win in Wales was the 29 Feb 2004?!
**AV writes: Top pedantry. Yes, it should be 'against Welsh opposition in Wales.'
We should be grateful for this match.
First we scored 3 goals away from home.
Second we kept a clean sheet away from home.
Third Tuncay scored which boosts morale and his price.
Fourth is four points from the first two games and we look like a winning team.
Typical Boro, I was expecting us to lose 1-0 with half of our squad on strike or travel sick from the bus ride.
Yes, Swans 0 BORO 3 (three) and fourth in the table. Tuncay scored. Nuff said.
Up the Boro!
The mind boggles, an away win.
I was beginning to forget what it was like to have one of those, and no injuries to speak of - bloody hell ! Even the mysterious case of Tuncayllitius didn't re-occur.
So fair do's to the team and gasp Gareth, let's hope it's the start of a turn around in fortunes for all concerned... ...and let's hope that Huth and Weather will both still be here after the transfer deadline.
A welcome end to the horrendous away run. We may have been a bit fortunate with the first goal, but it's nice to see Boro get out of the habit of sitting back and trying to defend a single goal.
Tuncay's appearance begs a few questions? Why now? Could the club have actually been telling the truth about his injuries previously? Or have they realised he needs to be in the shop window, before anyone will buy him?
A.V.
This is a nice warm feeling that I have not had for a long time. Well done all. Now let's not get carried away, keep the focus and do the same at Scunny on Tuesday.
Steady on AV. Whilst all the "antis" can't use the Sheff Utd game to lever GS out, equally so, all the "pro's" can't use the Swansea game to cement him in.
It is a marathon not a sprint......Zzzzzz.
**AV writes: Absolutely. It doesn't change the balance of political forces or the stakes this season. And at times familiar problems remained - for a long spell in the first half for all Boro's possession they lacked penetration in the box and from the start of the second half there were signs of them sitting back and inviting pressure - but let's be honest here: a landmark away win (and three goals) is worth celebrating. Go on, allow yourself a little EIO.
Relegation has not affected us on BBC as shown last night. We were ignored by Lineker and co and had brief highlights around midnight so no change there.
Scunthorpe next, they will provide us with a more physical challenge as trips to new venues continues.
Heartening indeed AV.
I was sitting offshore Abu Dhabi watching Blackburn v Man City, bemoaning the fact that here was the start of the 2009-10 Premier League Season, and Boro for the first time in 11 years are not at the party.
Then I got a Boro SMS that Jinky had put us in front, and my evening here brightened a little, and positively shone with further goals from Emnes and Tuncay just when I was wondering if he was actually in the squad.
From what I read of the Gazette report, and Southgate's after match summing up, we need to tighten up a bit. A more competent side might have made it a different game.
But hey, I'm over the moon, and long may it continue. Wins brings points for sure, but also much needed confidence to a Boro tean that was bereft of any for most of last season.
I hope that Boro can go on from this and become the force in the Championship that we all dearly want them to be.
AV, I thought Premiership venues had to be all seating, but in yesterday's Blackburn/Man City game a large chunk of City fans were clearly standing. Is this correct?
John Aus
**AV writes: The rules don't apply to away fans.
Good win but we have to ask ourselves/not cloud things (even at this early stage) with the following:
We can and probably wil get promoted - I think we all agree that we have the squad (give or take) to get promoted. We have a manager that probably has enough awareness to build a team to get promoted. We have a good fan base to suatain the team to promotion.
The question that needs to be discussed is:
What happens when we get promoted - will we have a team and squad to compete at the higher level. Do we have a manager who can build a squad to compete.
Pedantry apart................I'm just pleased that Boro are a) winning again and b) another clean sheet.
Yes I know its a marathon and we will come up against much harder opposition but as Roy Hodgson said yesterday after Fulham beat Pompey: ".First game of the season, away from home, a 1-0 victory, why should I complain." Take note the pessimists!
Well done Boro!
This is just what the lads needed as many of them were not playing anywhere near their full potential. the win will be a great confidence boost .BUT-
We must get Jinkys contract nailed down!
And we must keep Huth if we want to keep going for the full season.
I still think Tuncay staying would be massive and maybe Alves could find his shooting boots big time at this level.
The battle lines have been drawn - for tickets to away matches. A week's a long time in football these days
Ian Gill at 9.11am - what were you doing watching Gary Lineker on Match of The Day and it's Premier League coverage? I couldn't give a stuff about Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal et al.
Football coverage begins with the Football League show at 11.20! I agree, though, that our game was shown in the "What happened in the other games?" summary, rather than being given its rightful place at the head of the queue. Some things never change.
Another thought - which game will get the biggest audience, Wigan v Portsmouth on Sky (or even Chelsea v Man City for that matter) or Boro v Newcastle on BBC?
No shick for me - we are playing in a league with a huge gulf in class and ability from the Prem. Yes, I know it's only one game, but so was Sheff Utd!
Free scoring Wolves from last year didn't score yesterday and could have lost by four or five. Again, a huge gulf in class between the 2 leagues.
A great victory for sure. We simply must push on at Scunthorpe on Tuesday, and then we can really feel a lot better.
The next week is gonna be crucial to our promotion challenge, if we have such a thing. We could lose (and will expect to lose) some crucial players, and it is up to Gibson, Lamb and Southgate to ensure that we replace them with players capable of sustaining a promotion challenge.
We should be good enough to be there or there abouts this season, and it could be a fantastic season. But we need all fans on board to help push us on. Really, the time for bitching is over. We must do our bit as well as the players.
I know all the strong feelings that exist, I feel some of them too. But save your bitching for the pre match banter as our group do, and get behind the team ... and yes, even Southgate. He's not the devil incarnate y'know. He's just trying to do an honest job for our beloved team, no matter what his weaknesses. Come on Boro!
What a feeling I had yesterday hearing Middlesbrough getting three goals away from home! And a clean sheet! But most important three points and now fourth in the table. Excellent, just need the boys to keep this up and get us another three points at Scunthorpe! UP THE BORO
I don't know if its true or not but Southgate is saying that we need a target man for when the crosses come in so I was thinking why doesn't he go for Mark Viduka; he's a free agent now and very strong and has a good shot and can score with his head. You never know he might come back for another season or two and I believe he did play some of his best football at Middlesbrough.
Aside from the match I read this morning that Stoke may be preparing a £2.5m bid for Huth. If this is true we should tell them to stick their offer where the sun does not shine.
He cost us £6m, he hasn't got worse by any means and he seems to be keeping fit now. After a good start to the season surely we should hold out for £6m plus? If this club accepts anything less than £6m in this overly inflated transfer market then it is a clear indication to the fans where this club is heading.
Great performance and result (and one that was needed as our main rivals won) but we need to keep it going and shouldn't get too carried away as this was against a weakened team - i mean Leon Brittan was their best player by all accounts and he must be well into his 80's by now.
Cannot believe someone wants Viduka back. He only plays when his contracts are coming to an end, no doubt a good target man but lazy.
As far as Huth is concerned, he is on big money and is therefore dispensible. Also we have Riggs, Hines,and Pogi who will all be available shortly and will all do a job in this division. We need central midfielders and obviously a target man as priorities. Also isnt' it time for Cattermole MK11 Josh Walker to be unleashed he would go down a storm in this class.
Forever Dormo
It was a joke! Prem or not, apparently midnightish is our normal position on TV.
A good start. It is very early days but it would be great if this gave management the confidence to be a bit tougher on the question of who leaves.
As fans we have no control over what the club do in terms of departures but if players are to go I hope they recognise that those wishing to buy are now nearing desperation stakes and that they hold out for proper money. If that money doesn't materialise now than it will in January by which time a whole lot more will be in need too. The reported £2.5m from Stoke for Huth appears on the light side of fair.
I'm just thankful to be able to see the team at all - midnight or not. There is also the option to see the goals via the 'red button' or on BBC sport pages. Better than the prem!
You keep throwing up the negative views and I'll neutralise them if I can!
Every silver lining has a cloud!
Very frustrating living in SA. The game is not televised so relying on sms and sundays reports.
But all the same great win.See Scunny beat Derby on Sat scored three and conceded two so it could be a good open game and hopefully a second away win. Definitly feel better today.
Great, at last something to celebrate!! I've no idea whether this result sets the tone for the remainder of the season, I'm just going to enjoy the result for a couple of days.
Definitely a pleasing result against Swansea but we shouldn't get too carried away as they were not the toughest test and we should expect to beat this standard of opposition if we have any pretensions of promotion.
Hopefully this will give the squad confidence and help them get a decent run going as life is much easier if you're amongst the group of front-runners - though I suspect the supporters who were banking on a run of losses to quickly eject Southgate are now cursing their luck.
The problem now is who will leave before the window - should we lose Huth, O'Neil and Tuncay this week it may be quite unsettling for those who remain, especially if we start to stutter. OK maybe we need the money but regarding these players I would suggest the following.
I don't see why we should be forced into selling Huth on the cheap as we have already seen the false economy of selling top quality defenders when Luke Young left at the beginning of last season.
Also, O'Neil would probably be one of our most important players this season and he doesn't need a move to a PL club as he's not on the radar of the England team.
Finally, why let Tuncay also leave on the cheap - he could wait to go on loan in January if he needs top-level football ahead of the world Cup - it would be four months salary well spent.
Bring on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to going into the cauldron of fire that is Glanford Park, the atmosphere should be good; especially after their morale boosting win against Clough Jnr's boys.
Bit concerned at the moment with the fact that Man Utd have no central defence and Fergie is on the look out for a new Central defender. It is well versed that he is admirer of Wheats, so I hope he stays an admirer and keeps away !
I agree with Werdermouth and hope we don't need to sell cheaply. Let's keep these players if we not going to get good money.
Also, GS should give a dedline for departures - say end of this week - so he has time to buy a replacement. As some of the big clubs and players do (Ribe' from Bayern Munich etc.)
Up the Boro!
The bad news is after Saturdays premier games Villa and Everton will be looking to get in some defenders. It may mean bids for Wheater and Huth. The focus is probably off the Turk if he moves to a premier league club i think it will be in Jan.
Oneil is doing his price tag no harm hope they all stay.
As I think we have a strong side for the championship if Alves goes and we get somebody up front to hold the ball up and finaly the big if a lot less injuries than what has been the norm.
A confident and settled side will be the key this season. Just in Huth £2.5 mil to Stoke - not on yer nelly! Stick out for £5m he is our skipper at the moment.
Lee Miller? I hope that, if true, this suggestion is as well as a Hulse - not instead of.
Another Hulse-alike to pitch into the frame might be Leon Best from Coventry. He got a goal from a well struck free kick at the weekend but from what I've seen of him his touch, hold up play, lay-offs and heading are just what are required too.
Ajax interested in Alves? I didn't know he knew anything about cleaning kitchen surfaces? OK - probably as much as he knows about goalscoring in England.
Gate’s own sensibly guarded 'feet on the ground' appreciation for what was, nevertheless, a very welcome and enjoyable away win was right on the mark – for three reasons.
Firstly, there were surely lots of positives from that game but there were certainly areas for improvement too and a team less accommodating than The Jacks would surely have exploited them.
Secondly, this Boro squad don’t handle their own good publicity well. What little they had last season translated itself straight into complacency – and that won’t do. There's nothing to be complacent about. Gate knows it and wants his players to.
Thirdly, the core of the team that did so well in South Wales – Huth, Wheats, Gary O’Neil, Tuncay – and even Johnno - may well not be around by the end of August.
At Scunny, the aim must be to build on the big successes from Saturday: goals, the continuity passing and the pressing game high up the pitch – and to address the weaknesses: lack of ruthlessness and some lapses in concentration and application.
Werdermouth- I couldn't agree more.
What price can anyone put on losing the defensive wall in front of the keeper!
Not to mention destablesing the team. Yes we could cash in like we did with Yakubu and Luke Young. The money was great but the gaps were never filled.
Most new players take a while to settle in [ Yates maybe an exception] but for Gods sake Gibbo try and hold onto the squad asmuch as possible.
Tuncay could be the player like Merson was to open up this league for us. The Uefa cup squad was allowed to be broken down and split up too quickly causing chaos and un balancing the team with too many new faces expected to bed straight in where the others left off.
We are also not in the position to get top internationals to the Riverside anymore so why let the ones we have got go so easily!
Good result Saturday.
If Boro need to sell the only outgoings should be Tuncay and Alves. Sign a centre forward and a centra midfielder and the squad should then be strong enough to mount a promotion challenge. Do not sell Huth or O'Neill.
C'Mon Boro!
Excellent result, especially as many were thinking Sheff Utd and Swansea would walk all over us. Regardless of what happens I'm enjoying a 3-0 win.
All the transfer talk makes it very uncertain though. Sounds like deals are going to be done close to deadline day, which will limit Southgate's options. Reality is that depending the offers some players would want to move, even if they have an attachment to the Boro. Southgate did brilliant to persuade Matthew Bates not to leave for Wigan or Everton, although in hindsight that may not be for the best!
Who goes? Who stays? Who cares?
Obviously BORO still want to get certain players off the books but the person who should be taken off the books is the person who gave them the contracts. Over the last few years we have bought a lot of rubbish and given them great contracts. Shame on that person.
I had a big bet on BORO to beat Sheffield and saw the game... all of the old failings there and they were poor upfront. Did not see win on Saturday as travelling back to Kazakhstan. A good result but won't go over board as we could only muster one shot a goal against one of the better teams in the division.
A good encouraging away result. About time too I say!! let's just hope that this is not a one off, or else we're back in it.
Anyway, consider - top of the table last Saturday morning, then down to 17th the day after, now back up into the top five to 4th place. Fastest dropping, then highest climber in the chart as they used to say in the ole hit parade. Yo yo almighty indeed. Now for the good of all long suffering Boro pedants like me and countless others, can we ruddy well stay there from this point on?
And another Danny Coyne clean sheet next week please, just so we can have a truly flattering GD for the first few games of the campaign.... please, no reversion to 'typical Boro', or is that too much to ask?
BTW, nice to see my 'second' team Wigan giving Villa a masterclass in Martinez finery (was originally born in Wigan and some of my family are still avid followers you understand)- ironic since we've just gone and tonked his old charges !
Extremely amusing to see all the usual candidates trying to find negatives in a 3-0 win and some posters are extremely noticeable in their absence!
Excellent result, let's keep it going tonight.