Match Day Thread Middlesbrough v Sunderland AFC – Monday 5th September 2022 - KO 20:00

I think Clarke had been given a bit of a wake up call. His form has been good the last few weeks but he's been made to look ordinary tonight

 

It’s not as though he can put another CF on

 

Clueless ref. Blatant trip on Robert’s. Outside the box I think mind but definitely a foul

 

Could tell the ref had no idea then - he looked like a rabbit in the headlights

was outside box anyway

 

Calm down some of you ffs. Its 1-0 they're nowt special.

 

Roberts penalty shout - Howson trip on the edge of the area
- Nowt given

HT 1-0

 

Amad can play through the middle.

 

Big half time here.

 

He’s not a traditional CF though

 

I’m amazed they didn’t score!

 

Roberts just turned into greg louganis

Don't think anyone's losing their heads, some astute observations I'd say...

 

I’ll take 1-0 down at half time considering the late change in shape.

Really should be 1-1. When we concede goals due to defensive mistakes they get pelters. Prichards miss was as big if not bigger than most of the defensive mistakes we have that lead to goals

 

We reacted ok after conceding but defensively we look so poor, baath has been dreadful so far. Neil started to get on the ball a bit more and looked brighter as the half wore on. Our 2 no10s have been poor, need to switch to a back 4 in the 2nd half as no point having 3 cbs when they are playing 1 striker

 

I find the opinions and criticism of Neil on here really bizarre. Of all of our players tonight he has been the least sloppy in possession in my opinion. In a performance where it is hard to pick a good one he has done more of his job than most. He has shown for possession all the time, has barely misplaced a pass, and has been one of the better ones at pressing their possession and pinching it back. I think he is becoming a bit of a scapegoat on here with every last mistake pointed out. He has been a small drop of calmness in an otherwise manic and stupid performance.

 

Not great, but Boro have surprised me.

I'd have Pritchard off for Diallo

 

Good side Boro, their right wb is showing why they weren't bothered about losing Spence. Clarke has struggled tonight but still a quality player. I reckon he might change to 4-2-3-1 second half.

 

genuinely don’t think Roberts knows where he’s playing. He doesn’t look very tactically aware. He keeps coming out to the right and Gooch keeps yelling at him to get inside

 

This, we need to see what TM is made of here we are lucky to be still in the game and can still win this one with a tweak in shape.

 

I'm accustomed to playing **** at Boro

 

Typical rubbish this is what the hell is wrong with them losing the ball miss kicks, get the new player on.