Boro In 'Game of Two Halves' Shock!
PHEW! One half heroes Boro made hard work of a game that should have been wrapped up within the first 20 minutes. Blistering pace going forward, incisive movement and some crisp passing along the deck - plus some sublime pin-point long balls over the top of onto team-mates toes - saw Boro scythe through wobbling Wigan at will. It was brilliant.
Downing should have scored. Tuncay should have scored. Aliadiere should have scored. In fact, had the goal been a smidgeon wider it could have been a massacre as a season's worth of chances threatened to bludgeon Wigan into a pathetic twitching Brambletastic mess of relegation debris. Boro should have been out of sight before "the French forager" bagged his first Riverside goal. Those convinced that one day soon Boro would give someone a right spanking must have thought their time had come.
Yet the the second half was a long drawn out chaotic scrap played mainly in the Boro half, a war of attrition marked by tetchy fouls, some desperate last ditch defending and a top drawer save from much maligned Mark Schwarzer. In the end battling Boro were lucky to hang on to three precious points.
In the opening spell Boro were awesome. Some of the textbook close passing triangles were a pleasure to behold. The irrepressible front pairing of Aliadiere and Tuncay were impossible to mark as they dipped deep then surged forward supported by a Stewart Downing unphased by speculation and fit again human Tasmanian Devil Gary O'Neil. The killer ball threaded through by Rochemback and Arca and a string of perfectly weighted long passes were breathtaking for their vision and accuracy. Boro looked like the attacking football that the boss has been edgeing towards would overwhelm the visitors - then suddenly they were hanging on for dear life.
The point at which the game swung from one sided romp and potential battering to backs to the wall scrap was the moment that Tuncay limped off clutching his hamstring. Up to then he had ravaged Wigan, ripping the defence open with his movement and deft touches and audacious interplay with Aliadiere and charging down the visitors back line forcing mistakes and constantly giving Boro an outlet as they played it from the rear.
The introduction of heavyweight hitman Mido forced Boro to change their style and let relieved Wigan wriggle off the hook. Mido won plenty of headers and held the ball up well - but the fact that he was doing that illustrated the change. There were fewer quick balls to feet and more pumped forward in the air and with the best will in the world Mido is well short of the fitness levels needed to chase lost causes, close down defences and make the runs that leave the opposition trailing in his wake to be available for a quick break forward. And with that pressure relieved it gave Wigan the time and space to build from the back and start.
Possibly Adam Johnson and a switch to three up front would have kept the tempo and movement up and kept Wigan on the rack but we held on so no harm done and Mido will have benefited from the hour's pitch-time. Some observations:
Stewy Downing played like a man with a point to prove. His energy, workrate, threat up front and a telling ball forward for the goal will have helped his local damage limitation exercise. Nothing is surer than that a poor game would have prompted a torrent of abuse from those angry with his agent, his contract cage-rattling and his switch from red boots to white. He was given generous support from the crowd with the first chorus of "Stewy Downing on teh wing" after only three minutes. Good. Being booed would not have helped his case with Fabio Capello. You don't need an interpreter for that.
Capello would be more likely to have scribbled down the name of Luke Young. After a sticky start he has been brilliant over the past two months or so and is not only an accomplished and calm defender but is also at the heart of much of Boro's attacking play. Bar one slip his first half display was a master-class and it is hard to believe that there is a better English right back in the Premiership right now.
Afonso Alves was watching the game and would have fancied himself to get a hat-trick!
Robert Huth was magnificent again. The Berlin Wall headed away a barrage of high balls, ordered the defence around with authority and poise and was alert enough to cover for a few uncharacteristic dropped blobs by local hero David Wheater (a missed header and the odd failure to spot a run). He is nails. Give him the armband.
How did the ref (Rob Stiles natch) miss Sibierski's petulent kick at Huth from ten yards? And if he did, why did the linesman not flag immediately to draw his attention to it? I don't mind it when the ref lets a few hefty tackles go to keep the game flowing but that was ridiculous. At a time when the game threatened to boil over to miss such an explosive incident was unforgiveable.
The result was massive and clawed Boro five points clear of the drop zone while plunging Wigan right back into it. With home games against Fulham, Reading and Derby coming up too it is a great platform for Boro to take their fate in their own hands. And a win at pressure cooker club Newcastle on Sunday would put the cat among the pigeons too.
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Great first half performance but a bit lucky to get away with all 3 points in the second half.
Lets hope we have no injuries for the Skunks. I would "love it" to come away with 3 points on Sunday.
Move into dream mode - Overweight Vidulka plays and is booed off by the Toon Army for lack of effort, Smith sent off for back chat and silly hair, Nigel Pearson walks out 10 mins into the game (and nobody notices on the bench) as Keegan and McDermott continue to ignore him, "Ernie" Wise tries to get his job back at Leeds.
Oh yes and Boro win 0-3 with a hat trick by Alves (remember Ravanelli's debut against Liverpool)
Excellent result last night and we are slowly moving ahead of the pack with a little bit of daylight at last emerging. The next 2 games are certainly 'winnable' (why did I say that?!) and we have a platform to progress.
Worrying that Tuncay appears to have a hamstring pull and Stuey has a knock. Credit to him for giving it his all and being the true pro on the night.
It is plain for all to see that Gates is transforming his squad and making brave decisions in his quest to play attacking football.
This transfer window has been frustrating waiting for signings but it appears we are focussing on quality rather than 'getting bodies in'. Hopefully today will see a welcome outcome to the Alves saga. Come on Boro!
Alves must have been licking his lips in anticipation during the first half.
As Andy says it was worrying to see Tuncay and Downing coming off injured.
If we have a full squad to choose from on Sunday we can stuff the skunks.
C'Mon Boro!
Good three points in the bag not a great win, but a win.
Top finish from Ali and now he'sbroken his duck more may come his way.Two months ago we would have switched off and let a silly goal in,but I think we have learned a tough lesson over the passed weeks and have at last learned how to win.
Fingers crossed for a mind boggling win in toon town.
Tuncay, Stewie and Aliadiere were spectacular last night, how we didn't win by a shed load I do not know.
Tuncay going off certainly gave Wigan a life line but with a fit goalscorr on the pitch they would have been dead and buried by then. Boro really are going to give someone a tonking this season but not until Alves is in the team
We can win at Sid James but we will need a couple of goals to do it.
On a slightly seperate issue, why have Boro allowed Mido to pile on the weight? I know he hasn't been able to train but surely he can keep his weight under control?
Glad to see stewy tried his best as normal last night, great victory and a perfect first half. Also great seeing that Alves was in the crowd,
Ive been happy since last night, not used to this!!!
A.V whats the word on Tuncay's injury??
**AV writes: Hamstring, it was being assessed this morning.
After Tuncay left the pitch we started to lose it as we have not got attacking replacements on the bench.
I still think we need Alves and another quick striker - .
Theo Walcot on loan !
Mido is gonna take a while to be fit and I am not sure how fit Alves is.
AV can you tell us as soon as you know anything about the extent of Tuncay's and Downing's injurys.
**AV writes: Tuncay, hamstring tweak, touch and go. Stewy, kick on the knee, should be OK. A few more walking wounded - Wheater, Aliaidiere. Arca all got knocks - but they should be OK for Sunday.
Is it just me or is Alves a doppleganger for Maccarone.
Why has the club allowed mido to get so big? He was embarrassing yesterday. I had to turn away when I saw him try to run. Lets assume he has beeen in training for a month or so - so he has already lost quite a bit of weight - WHAT WEIGHT WAS HE A MONTH AGO! Would sir alex settle for wayne rooney piling on 4 stones while injured??
That aside we were great for first 30 mins until tuncay went off. such a shame if he is injured for sunday. i really fancy us to do the toon if tuncay and stewy are fit
Good to see Steve Gibson giving it to Elliot with both barrells.
Elliot must be seeing his potential percentage of any transfer slipping away by the hour.
Well done to Downing for not letting his agent's ranting affect him on the pitch.
C'Mon Boro!
Never Happy - I was crusing along in a good mood this morning, three points in the bag, Alves on his way in, Boro playing well, Barcodes in disarray and ripe for a tonking and you mentioned Maccarone!!
Lets just hope that the only things Alves and Maccarone have in common are bald heads and record transfer fees!!
It is difficult at times to criticise Tuncay because of his tremendous work rate and his bright football that creates the chances. We tend to forget that most strikers score 1 in 4 at best. Ronaldo, whilst a midfielder, scored at his seventh attempt against Reading.
The problem we have is the root of the saying 'its a game of two halves'. It is without doubt true that if you dont take your chances the opposition are still in the game and sniff a chance.
Often it is about the hour mark, teams have gone in 1-0 down and relieved at the score. After 15-20 minutes of the second half the penny drops and they have a go. The team 1-0 up then has to stick or twist.
Think how many times you hear the commentators saying the team in front is starting to defend too deep. It isnt just us. Even Arsenal and Manu have dropped points when they had been playing unopposed football for an hour but havent scored the goals they should only for the opposition to sneak an equaliser or winner.
It is made worse for us because we are more feeble than most in the box, we cant hold the ball up and sustain pressure never mind kick it into that net thing.
Mido coming back is a bonus, two for the price of one. If the Alves business is completed that is more firepower. We should remember that the football will change when either/both are in the team because Aliadiere/Tuncal or both will have to be sacrificed.
Moving O'Neill into the centre would create one space but let us wait and see who is fit for the Toon match.
I see Gibbo has had some kind words for that nice Mr Elliott. This of course is to relieve the pressure on stewie and shift the blame onto the panto villain. I think we can all buy into that concept.
Sadly even if Stewie runs his contract down and goes on a free Mr Elliott will be negotiating for him and my understanding is he will get a fat fee.
Great performance last night but its the same old story: we havnt got the man we need to stick the ball in the back of the net.
If Alves signs and can get a few days training in before the Toon game I really fancy us to give them a thrashing.
We have got some games coming up with teams that are below us and the win last night has given us some breathing space.
We have got to come out on Sunday and start with a high tempo and pass the ball around their midfield and get at their defenders by stretching them and creating space.
Arsenal have beat them 3-0 twice in a week and they tore them apart several times in each game. We arnt Arsenal but newcastle cant handle us if we play like we did last night. can we kick on and become arsenal number 2?
The basics are there for all to see, passing in triangles, players running off the ball, strikers running in behind, bending runs and top draw passing from midfield with a solid defence to sure it up.
I'm in no way getting over excited with this but the style of play has been breathtaking says one morning paper and this must be something to crow about.
Credit where credit is due and GS must have time and our support to produce this type of football.
come on boro....
Great to see us pick up the 3 vital points.
Last night showed us that Gate's team has silk and steel and they all looked as though they wanted to be part of what he is trying to achieve.
I was one of those who was thinking that this was tonking time last night, but I couldn't feel upset at the missed chances (just frustrated) simply because the players missing those chances were the same ones who created them with some brilliant football.
Glad to read that Downing's injury was a knock rather than something torn (although we don't know precisely yet), but with Tuncay clutching his hamstring last night, he's got to be out for a good two weeks.
What style of striker is Alves? Will he put in the workrate of Tuncay to stretch the play, or is he more of a lurker, waiting for the right through ball or chip over the defence? Will be interesting to see.
In any case, I can't see us being able to play that kind of football against the barcodes, as Tuncay won't be fit and he's the key.
Meanwhile, Mido's stature on the pitch just grows from game to game! (If you know what I mean...) The Monster Truck indeed. Every time the ball came near him, his first instinct seemed to be to sit on someone. I suppose he's playing to his strengths.
And I agree with the Sibierski incident - I was speechless when the ref booked Heskey, then just walked away! How did he not see that? Any chance of a judgment-by-video happening (though it wasn't mentioned in any match report I've read)?
Never Happy - it's just you.
Where were the fans after liverpool? Come on and get behind the lads. Mido needs to sweat off a couple of stone and with Alves in the skunks will go down on Sunday.
Come on boro'
.............BREAKING NEWS..........
Middlesbrough are closing in a move for Internazionale starlet Goran Slavkovski.
18 year old has flown in from italy today to sign on loan from inter for the rest of the season.
Interesting reading about everybody's favourite agent:
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/display.var.930424.0.elliott_fears_all_agents_will_pay_price_for_bung_scandal.php
The last paragraph is priceless:
"I've a player the same as Nathan Porritt, Jonathan Franks," said Elliott. "I don't see why I would take a Middlesbrough lad and hawk him around the country, and looking at the figures mentioned by Arnesen I don't see a financial reason for doing it."
Sounds like he'd only do the hawking if it's worth his while then...
Fair enough JC - my excuse is that I had had a tipple or two when I looked at the photo.
AV - any updates on Alves or Slavkovski?
Part of an article on the Sky Sports site reads:
Reports emanating from Sweden suggest the 18-year-old is set to undergo a medical on Teesside on Wednesday ahead of the proposed move to The Riverside.
A number of clubs are believed to be trailing Slavkovski, but the player says Middlesbrough is the ideal destination for him.
"Middlesbrough are a perfect club," Slavkovski told Expressen
**AV writes: Alves had his medical yesterday but there were some loose ends to tie up today then it was off to the work permit appeal. It may be rushed through today, if not then tomorrow.
I don't any more than you on Slavkovski.
Billy
Just read the article which includes
As well as Downing, Elliott also has Adam Johnson, Tony McMahon, David Knight and Jonathan Franks on his books.
I don't know if he represents any other players but it looks like Downing is his star man and potential meal ticket.
No wonder he is trying to sell him and get his cut
I've taken some time to check out Alves on the tinternet as i myself am sure what we are getting.
i
I've got to say that this guy looks absolutely amazing.
he can score goals from anywhere, very cool, great finisher and a great free kick taker.
There's one where he hits the ball a la Ronaldo and it swearves in the top corner from the middle of the goal, great to watch.
He also has great pace and theres loads of goals he scores from one twos as well.
The one thing that worries me however is his work rate, one thing i cant see is what he does over 90 minutes. Is he a yak and comes alive in the box but daordles around until he gets a chance?
Will be interesting to see and it would be great to know if anyone has seen him live.
AV, whats your thoughts on how he might play and do you see the formation changing to accomodate?
AV, this week it's been said Alves' work permit hearing was today. In the Gazette today it says it's tomorrow. Can you clear it up for us? Today or tomorrow?
From Yahoo Sport:
Middlesbrough are on the verge of signing Internazionale striker Goran Slavkovski on loan for the rest of the season.
Slavkovski's agent Jozo Palac confirmed that he would undergo his medical on Wednesday, adding: "The clubs have agreed and the paperwork has been signed.
"Goran has wanted more playing time for a while now and the chances of that are bigger at Middlesbrough.
"We visited the team a week ago and Goran was very happy with what he saw.
"Even though we would have preferred a permanent transfer we are happy to accept a loan contract because that is what the clubs agreed on."
I just heard on Wikipedia that Alves hasn't been granted a work permit. I hope they're wrong.
Well, I told you I wouldn't get excited about this signing until we actually had him. Now we have to hope about Slavkovski...
**AV writes: Wikipedia? Hmmmmmm.
Big, big win last night. Great! Let's have a few more please.
Nothing at all to fear against the barcodes.
The Leeds manager as Director Of Football ? Possibly the worst appointment of the century !!! Oh dear oh dear...
Still not there yet as we are still not out of the woods, but three more great points in the bag.
Well done.
TB
P.s.
" Nigel wrote...
Never Happy - I was crusing along in a good mood this morning, three points in the bag, Alves on his way in, Boro playing well, Barcodes in disarray and ripe for a tonking and you mentioned Maccarone!!
Lets just hope that the only things Alves and Maccarone have in common are bald heads and record transfer fees!! "
Macca and McClaren obviously didn't get on because now back in Italy and surrounded by what's regarded as a pretty poor team he's scoring well and has had lots of plaudits from the notoriously critical Italian press.
FORZA MACCARONE ! R.I.P. Gone But Not Forgotten (by some at least !!)
ive seen mido's shorts twice before on michael ricketts backside and roary's! How is he allowed to get that shape? I find i cant concentrate on the football anymore all i do is look for the valve in his neck that they inflate him with!
**AV writes: Don't knock the power of the shorts - a low centre of gravity was JFH's secret weapon.
It looks like it could be a last minute deal for Alves! Lets hope its worth it!
AV Is the work permit appeal today or tomorrow? everywhere says different!
**AV writes: It was pencilled in for today but depended on the contract being completed and lodged with the FA, which depended on the medical being completed and a few bits of red tape. You know Boro don't complete until 11.59.
Apparently Mr Elliot is upset at Mr Gibson's comments and is taking advice from his legal advisors and will be making no further comment on the subject!
Either that or the transfer windows closing and there's no punters willing to stump up for his tart.
Watching Boro.s first half performance against Wigan fans must have marvelled at the difference in the football played by the Boro when compared with the five years of McClaren negative mediocrity.
The present Boro style of football bears no resemblance to how McClaren had the team playing and must be breath of fresh air to the ball playing members of this very attractive team.
I only hope that the new England Manager has the same outlook on football that Gareth Southgate has shown, and we will have a national team to be proud of and enjoy watching.
...so what motivation is there for Elliotts 'oh no he isn't, he's off' comment on a player contracted for a further 2 years and whom the club have said they don't intend selling [...in the January window at least!]???
Could it by any chance be "right, I want me commission, Tottenham haven't come in because that rotten club Boro have told 'em they're not selling, so first up I'll go public on HE'S NOT STAYING [forgetting he's on a contract], then the fans will start booing Stewy [you don't have to be Einstein to work that one out given the first half-season rapport with the crowd], Stewy will get upset and tell that rotten Mr Gibson he REALLY DOES want to go, his performances will suffer, and Tottenham or any other club will think 'goodo - lets just tickle the Boro and they'll beg us to take him off their hands before they can't sell him anyway".
Cynical, moi? Good to see Stewy apparently unaffected by it all. Long may it continue
Looks like Alves could be off to Roma. Oh! dear what's plan 'B'.
Let's hope there is one lurking in the background otherwise, as we all know, the jigsaw is almost complete but the last piece is the most important.
From Skysports
Reports from Holland claim that Roma have made a late bid to snatch Afonso Alves from under the noses of Middlesbrough.
It also states a further ruling says that the AZ contract was legal but that it was unlikely to stop the Alves moving and that AZ may seek compensation from Alves.
**AV writes: There are more twists and turns than a barrel full of snakes.