Sam Byram …growing up
Middlesbrough 1 Irons 3
CandH Match verdict
Now we know it’s for real…now we know the Irons are back in business.
A top result and performance from front to back. The flourish and style is back and fears are receding. Two games – six points and six goals – what’s not to like.
This was probably a better performance than that against Palace because at times Boro really really played and stretched us but with the exception of one outstanding goal we wouldn’t be breached.
The defence was excellent although Aaron Cresswell continues to have some hairy moments as when he smashed an intended clearance against our upright. Maybe he needs a rest!
Lanzini – always at heart of things
On the other side of the back four Byram was excellent and in front of them Feghouli caught the eye as he attempted to fill Payet’s boots. He’s getting better and better.
Lanzini also looks far happier since the Frenchman’s departure and Obiang continues to be simply awesome.
We now sit in tenth place and truly starting to look a team that can fulfil the sort of expectations we all held in the summer.
Nobody would have given you odds that we’d start looking a real top ten team without the lad from France but this game has always been as much about spirit, togetherness and guts as anything else.
Now we have started to show that, the great football is appearing too, so a huge well done to all the lads. Every one of them is stepping up.
It was also good to see Calleri get some playing time as I am one of those who liked the look of him early doors. He has great movement and good feet.
His goal will provide a much needed confidence shot and I hope he gets more opportunities because I genuinely think he’s a player.
COYI
I’ve been thinking that if Calleri scored with that golden chance very late in the first game of the season vs Bournemouth his story might well be different. He’s a young player worth developing a persevering with. Confidence is everything.
When I listened on skysports about the clearance they said it actually came off Stuani’s hand Hugh although the ref didn’t award us a free kick, they were also raving about Adama Traore for Boro so he maybe one to scout for the summer window ?
1st half against Palace was awful but Byron came on at HT and that has changed things dramatically we’re still carrying Noble tho! Traore is destined for higher levels than us I’m afraid he was great today and only young !
Traore is already being linked with Chelsea.He has been for some months now
Why is it when Chelski look at a player it seems hands off for clubs like West Ham?? I think Traore could be another Sterling.If the club decide they want a pacy player,then go for him.Better getting one super player than a lot of expensive imports that don’t measure up.IMHO
The problem is that Chelsea Man.City & the like will offer silly money in fees & wages for the players we just cant compete with Roman.Also the player rightly or wrongly will choose those teams.Batshuayi did it,it isnt always the best career move but they find it hard to turn down.
At this stage he reminds me more a Victor Moses, defensively he was completely inept based on the highlights I watched, his positional play is poor defensively and he doesn’t track back, it allowed our full backs a lot of freedom. If he can be trained to work defensively then he will be a hell of a player but they said that about Moses, some players get it and others don’t.
Thanks Colin.If he wants regular game time then there is no better club than ours.Point taken about Batshuayi as well.A regular bench warmer as will Traore I suspect if he moves there.
Another fantastic results that will surely calm our nerves…sad news as about oggy…..hopefully the medical team can sort him out and get him fully fit and ready for the start of next season…Fonte will prove to be a great acquisition…thank God we signed him last week👏👏…nice one AC…. back to terrorising defences again business resumed. The
On the Traore point ….looks a good player if we could get him that would be great as he looks strong on the ball and well balanced……