Picture Credits-Middlesbrough FC
In Saturday’s early kick off at The Riverside, Middlesbrough produced an emphatic 5-1 win over Luton Town. Along with their impressive midweek 4-1 away victory over QPR, questions have emerged whether Michael Carrick’s team have finally hit the ground running, with clinical finishing and successful game management.
Combatting recent struggles
As Middlesbrough fans, it feels like we’ve waited an eternity to see us put away a team like on Saturday. We’ve seen dominant possession, quality football and glimpses of brilliance, but week after week, we’ve struggled to establish any consistency in a league where opponents are quick to exploit any missteps. Time and again, teams have set up a low block and capitalized on lapses in our often slow and ponderous build-up play. Despite our inconsistent start, having scored 9 goals in as little as two games, fans are finally seeing the team put away their chances – in a championship that is as close and up-for-grabs as ever.
This season, Boro have been known as the biggest chance creators in the Championship with 26.69 expected goals, over 4 goals higher than Leeds United in second. However, prior to Saturday’s game, they were also the most wasteful, having only scored 7 goals at home all season; a statistic that was among the lowest ranked teams in the league, with Coventry City, QPR and Hull City all having similar or higher goals at home. Furthermore, even after Saturday and Tuesday’s games, Middlesbrough still have the most goals under expected goals with their goals v XG sitting at -8.69. Therefore, surely if Boro continue in the same vein (putting away their chances, as they have done recently), the team can expect to climb the table, creating the most chances of any team in the league.
Boro’s Performance
For much of the first half, Boro controlled the game but ultimately, struggled with the final pass – an issue that had been central in many of their home games this season. Therefore, it seemed like a pivotal moment when Delano Burgzorg strook the back of the net in the 30th minute, off a well-worked Middlesbrough corner. It was notably similar to a shot set up for Luke Ayling 10 minutes earlier in the game, which failed to hit the target, with Ben Doak providing an excellent assist on the second occasion.
Off the back of Burgzorg’s cool finish, Boro seemed to pick up momentum in the game, testing the Luton keeper more than they had in the 30 minutes prior. It wasn’t long before Boro picked up their second of the game via a superb turn from Emanuel Latte Lath, who tricked both the defenders and the keeper slotting the ball into the bottom corner. He was served by a dink over the top from Finn Azaz, who’s proving to be one of Boro’s most creative players in recent games. Having gone into half-time two goals up, Middlesbrough continued their pressure into the second half. This saw Ben Doak flying down the right-hand side and, serving Finn Azaz for a side footed shot into the top-right corner which, beat Kaminski and marked Boro’s third of the afternoon.
Following Boro’s third, Luton had their first clear cut chance of the game; shot by Woodrow from the left of the 18-yard box that was ultimately saved by Seny Dieng in the middle of the Boro goal. After attending to defensive duties, Middlesbrough quickly got up the other end as Finn Azaz placed an incisive through ball into a rapid Emanuel Latte Lath. With many expecting Latte Lath to slot, it into the bottom corner, he decided to pass the ball sidewards to an unmarked Delano Burgzorg who tapped the ball in at the back post, scoring Boro’s fourth of the afternoon.
Against the run of play, Luton substitute Jordan Clark, found the ball just inside of the box, which was cooly slotted into the bottom left corner, a goal which was hardly celebrated by a deflated Luton team. Finally, on the 87th minute mark, Finn Azaz found the ball in an awkward position just outside the box, but on the far left of the pitch. Clearly filled with confidence already having 2 goal contributions, Azaz curled the ball into the far corner, beating the keeper and completing a very good afternoon for Boro at the Riverside.
Middlesbrough Player Ratings-Boro 5-1 Luton Town
Seny Dieng-7: A solid afternoon from Seny that saw him make a good save to the left side of the goal to keep the game at 3-0.
Luke Ayling-7: A much improved performance from captain Luke Ayling who commanded the team to an impressive 5-1 win, bagging another assist for Azaz’s final goal.
Anfernee Dijksteel-8: Another superb performance from Dijksteel who is finally settling into the Boro team after impressing with solid defensive work and passing each game he’s played.
George Edmundson-7: A good, solid performance from Edmundson who was rarely troubled and calmly played it into the midfield for Boro’s build up play.
Matt Clarke-7: Much like Edmundson, he was rarely troubled in defense and ran it very well playing it into the fullbacks who fed either the midfield players or the high flying wingers.
Aidan Morris-7: Another controlled display from Morris, who seems to be taking up Howson’s role in the team very well.
Hayden Hackney-7: An afternoon that you’d expect from Hayden Hackney recently, seeing him playing the ball into the creative Finn Azaz or carrying it up the field for Ben Doak to attack the Luton Defense
Finn Azaz-10: An incredible performance from Azaz, that saw the playmaker bag 2 goals and an assist. We felt a prolific afternoon from Azaz had been coming with him being promising on so many occasions.
Delano Burgzorg-9: Burgzorg not only filled in for Riley Mcgree very well but managed to combine with Latte Lath well, adding a different element for defenders to think about, putting away 2 goals.
Ben Doak-9: Yet another great performance from the Liverpool loanee that saw him terrorise an opposition defence for the second time in a week, laying on two assists for his Boro teammates.
Emanuel Latte Lath-9: After struggling to find his form recently, Latte Lath had a great afternoon against Luton scoring an impressive goal and playing the team game with an assist to Burgzorg.
Substitutes: Barlaser-7, Hamilton-5, Conway-7, Jones-6
Opposition Analysis: Luton Town-Time Up For Edwards?
Luton town travelled to Middlesbrough on the back of a workmen-like performance against Cardiff City at Kenilworth Road, picking up a vital 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Jacob Brown. Luton hoped this would be a result they could build on, as victory against a resurgent Cardiff City could have been the kick start to the season they needed.
Travelling to Middlesbrough, Luton were without star wingback, Alfie Doughty, which was a huge blow for the Hatters. Manager Rob Edwards shuffled the pack ahead of the game, with Holmes, Walsh, Baptise, Adebayo and Woodrow coming into the team.
The changes to the Luton team seemed to bode well in the opening 30 minutes, until the Middlesbrough opener came. The floodgates seemed to open with confidence low among the Hatters, Luton never really got going and from 30 to 90 they seemed all at sea.
Half time came, with Luton 2-0 down, without hope of mounting any comeback. Rob Edward’s reacted and changed from his 3-4-2-1 to a 4 back, wanting to get a foot in the game. However, it seemed whatever Edward’s did, Luton just had no reply. A difficult second half and a 5-1 thumping added huge pressure to the job of Edwards and the questions of doubt came quickly. Is it really time to go?
Personally, I think Rob Edwards’ time is running out fast, but I also believe he has much credit in the bank due to his previous success of promotion and a valiant, proud campaign in the most unforgiving league; the premier league. Simply put, Luton and Edwards need wins and quickly.
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