Match Day Thread Middlesbrough FC v Sunderland AFC – Sunday 4th February 2024 - KO 12:00

[Robertson]

.It could also mean he picked a few wrong un's to start in the first place , and do you reckon Roberts for Ba improved our chances of taking all 3, just asking. .

Listening to Beale after the match, he said that Ba and Clarke started to lose their battles against the full backs in the second half and this contributed to Boro's dominance for that 25/30 mins. I think Ba was great in the first half so deserved to start and bringing Roberts on for him was the obvious choice to try to turn the momentum. Roberts was rusty though and didn't impact much.

Here's my probably unpopular opinion for starting Burstow ahead of Rusyn. As we know, we are very light on quality in the number 9 position. We'd ideally like to start a decent number 9 then swap them for another decent 9 after 60 or 70 mins. Only Rusyn looks up to the job though so I'd agree if the logic was to bring him on after 60-odd minutes to swing the game to us and finish strong. I don't think starting Rusyn then swapping him late on for Hemir / Burstow would have had the same positive effect overall.

 

[Smug in Boots]

Listening to Beale after the match, he said that Ba and Clarke started to lose their battles against the full backs in the second half and this contributed to Boro's dominance for that 25/30 mins. I think Ba was great in the first half so deserved to start and bringing Roberts on for him was the obvious choice to try to turn the momentum. Roberts was rusty though and didn't impact much.

Here's my probably unpopular opinion for starting Burstow ahead of Rusyn. As we know, we are very light on quality in the number 9 position. We'd ideally like to start a decent number 9 then swap them for another decent 9 after 60 or 70 mins. Only Rusyn looks up to the job though so I'd agree if the logic was to bring him on after 60-odd minutes to swing the game to us and finish strong. I don't think starting Rusyn then swapping him late on for Hemir / Burstow would have had the same positive effect overall.

I agree with much of that.

We can't go all out attack, from the off, and dominate every game.

I think the plan was always to play for a draw, hope for a win.

Carrick threw on too many subs too early ...

... and was unable to cope when we went for them.

 

[vic9]

Spot on
Just to add I also think a team with Jobe, Roberts and Burstow in it is bottom half at best.

You think Roberts is a bottom half player at best?,or when combined with the other two?

 

[clockstander]

You think Roberts is a bottom half player at best?,or when combined with the other two?

the answer is in the post " a team with Jobe, Roberts and Burstow in it " do you think a front three of Clarke, Burstow and Roberts with Jobe playing in midfield would get us into the playoffs, which has been the stated aim . Any particular reason you ask ?

 

[Tongester55]

.It could also mean he picked a few wrong un's to start in the first place , and do you reckon Roberts for Ba improved our chances of taking all 3, just asking. .

I think that Beale hoped that chaging Ba for Roberts would improve our chances of winning but unfortunately Roberts failed to deliver. For all his faults, for me, Ba has a lot going for him and consistently gets into goalscoring positions, more than Roberts.

 

[vic9]

the answer is in the post " a team with Jobe, Roberts and Burstow in it " do you think a front three of Clarke, Burstow and Roberts with Jobe playing in midfield would get us into the playoffs, which has been the stated aim . Any particular reason you ask ?

No particular reason mate, I might be in the minority here but I rate Roberts highly and I get the data about his assists and goals but I think he brings a lot more to the team when he starts and no we won’t be in the playoffs if Burstow is a regular (don’t rate him) and Jobe’s current form continues

 

[clockstander]

No particular reason mate, I might be in the minority here but I rate Roberts highly and I get the data about his assists and goals but I think he brings a lot more to the team when he starts and no we won’t be in the playoffs if Burstow is a regular (don’t rate him) and Jobe’s current form continues

Don't think you are in the minority at all, far from it. Its just my opinion on the form the 3, players have shown this season.

 

[Young Ted]

.It could also mean he picked a few wrong un's to start in the first place , and do you reckon Roberts for Ba improved our chances of taking all 3, just asking. .

No but Rusyn coming on certainly did and Ba was about shot when he went off if you don’t mind me saying

 

[Young Ted]

I’m hoping Rusyn starts on Saturday then gets a run of games despite the outcome

 

[Smug in Boots]

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[Smug in Boots]

I’m hoping Rusyn starts on Saturday then gets a run of games despite the outcome

That appears to be Beale's plan.

 

[Bob the Mackem]

No particular reason mate, I might be in the minority here but I rate Roberts highly and I get the data about his assists and goals but I think he brings a lot more to the team when he starts and no we won’t be in the playoffs if Burstow is a regular (don’t rate him) and Jobe’s current form continues

Please remember Roberts had been ill just before his injury with the cough that went around and still played a game

 

[Nig]

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Was going to post this the other day but forgot
I just came on to post it but thought I'd check if it was posted already

He gives a great account of games
Interesting comparison between Burstow and Rusyn.
Wonder how they would fare if playing together as two strikers?

 

[Nacho]

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Even just from those brief highlights the quality of Rusyn's movement is crystal clear. He's always available and in the right place, has the pace and strength to get in front of defenders too. Looking forward to see a lot more of him.

Great to see him looking happier.

 

[Smug in Boots]

Even just from those brief highlights the quality of Rusyn's movement is crystal clear. He's always available and in the right place, has the pace and strength to get in front of defenders too. Looking forward to see a lot more of him.

Great to see him looking happier.

I really hoped his family were there to see the goal and hear his name being sung ...

... it's easy to forget he's a virtual refugee.

 

[smithy in nl]

I really hoped his family were there to see the goal and hear his name being sung ...

... it's easy to forget he's a virtual refugee.

Honestly think he’ll be a legend here he’s got everything we ever want in a player. And the lad can play too

 

[marcusblackcat]

Even just from those brief highlights the quality of Rusyn's movement is crystal clear. He's always available and in the right place, has the pace and strength to get in front of defenders too. Looking forward to see a lot more of him.

Great to see him looking happier.

I love the bloke! Looked delighted at that one, was less so for his first goal. Looks like a weight has been lifted.