(Rav Van Den Berg being dismissed after receiving a second yellow card)
Being 3-0 up after as little as half an hour, there was very little concern in the air around the result, perhaps, making the team complacent. However, Boro’s defensive woes were on show once again in the second half, as Sheffield Wednesday managed 3 goals in only 17 minutes to level it up. Notably, there was again a lack of game management – not being able to take the sting out of the game in the opening period of the second half and, still attempting to pass it around the defence whilst on 10 men.
So What Went Wrong For Boro?
A quick flurry of goals, including a header at the back post from Ben Doak and a brace from Azaz, saw Boro 3 goals up on Sheffield Wednesday, with another 15 minutes to go in the first half. It looked like Boro were back to goalscoring form, however, there were chances to go 4 up late in the second half, which could have really put the game to bed – that they didn’t take.
Boro’s vulnerability at the back did start to show at the end of the first half, when Josh Windass was unable to put an unmarked header at the back post into the back of the net. After conceding numerous crosses agasinst Plymouth, they simply can’t allow players to be unmarked at the back post. This theme continued into the second half, where Sheff Wed’s opener came too easy as an unmarked Ingelseen slotted the ball into the top corner.
After Sheff Wed’s quick start to the second half, Boro’s lack of game management was clear to see, with their second coming only 7 minutes later. The goal itself was also self-inflicted for Boro, with a number of defenders failing to clear the ball, leading to a tap in at the front post for Wednesday’s second.
Boro’s calamitous second half got even worse, as Boro were reduced to 10 men, following Rav Van Den Berg’s controversial second yellow card.
Going down to ten men created a tactical challenge Boro ultimately couldn’t handle. While Clarke, Jones and Glover came on in the 60th minute, it was only moments later Boro conceded the first. Having been 3-0 up after only half an hour they were level 17 minutes into the second half. A shutoff from Boro had led to two points lost.
Player Ratings
Sol Brynn-6: Brynn was comfortable in goal for much of the first half and while it seemed like an error on first glance, he could do little about the second goal.
Neto Borges-6: While making some good tackles in the game and providing the pass for Azaz’s fist goal, Borges was one of the defenders who struggled in the second half, failing to block the ball or get it out for the second goal.
Rav Van Den Berg-5 (Sent Off): Rav was strong in the first half, and was unlucky to pick up the second yellow card that led to his dismissal. However, his red card did cost Boro in the latter stages of the game.
Dark Fry-5: Fry didn’t make too many mistakes, but seemed a little complacent at times, passing it short and back to the keeper while on ten men, causing pressure.
Anfernee Dijksteel-7: Didn’t really put a foot wrong, making very few mistakes on the ball and never lacking urgency in the second half.
Hayden Hackney-4: Hackney struggled to have an influence on the game, giving the ball away several times and failing to put up a challenge in the midfield, leading to easy counters for Wednesday.
Dan Barlaser-5: Much like Hackney, Barlaser didn’t really put up a challenge in midfield, allowing for easy passage for Wednesday.
Finn Azaz-9 (MOTM): Was easily Boro’s best player up until he came off tactically, providing an assist and two goals, which should’ve gave them the win.
Burgzorg-6: Burgzorg had a decent first half, along with the rest of the team, but struggled to create in the second half after Boro went down to ten men.
Emanuel Latte Lath (Came on 9th minute)-6: Latte Lath looked like the most likely to score in the second half, while rushing back to help out – preventing a Wednesday winner. However, his inability to get a shot away did unfortunately lead to Sheff Wed’s break for the third goal.
Ben Doak-7: Was unlucky to be brought off, getting on the scoresheet once again and creating several challenges in the first half.
Opinion
2 points from Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday is definitely disappointing, having conceded 6 goals in that time. I would say game management is definitely a concern for the team, with lapses in concentration being costly. The pressure will start to build on Carrick too, if Boro are unable to build a consistent run with the team they have.
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