Scorer - Tuncay.

By Luke Sandelands
August 31 2008

Middlesbrough's 2-1 Victory at home to Stoke City sees us gain our most impressive Premiership start in nine years. Boro's goals came in the 37th minute when Afonso Alves scored an impressive 25 yard effort following the dismissal of Amdy Faye for a two footed lunge on Shawky, and the 85th minute when Tuncay was able to slot in from close range after being put through on goal.

Stoke City found themselves back in the game against the run of play in the 71st minute when Justin Hoyte unfortunately scored an own goal after finding himself under considerable pressure from Dave Kitson. Preceeding this in the second half Stewart Downing could only hit the crossbar from a penalty. While the game saw Boro maintain an undefeated record at home Gareth Southgate has stated he has mixed feelings following the victory stating quite truthfully that this had been our least impressive match thus far of the Premiership season. Boro had an abundance of chances and should have easily despatched of Stoke, but instead made hard work of it -yet still came out the victors in the match. This perhaps marks a change from the Boro we are used to who in fairness would be far more likely last season to be unable to win games they dominated due to a lack of ability to score goals.

Impressive performances were still to be found during this match also, with Jeremie Aliadiere looking particularly impressive with his darting pace finding him easing his way past the Stoke defence while also playing well-targeted passes. Roberth Huth was also a rock at the centre of the defence, alleviating the frequent high balls played into the Boro box by Stoke in an attempt to benefit from potential confusion. Middlesbrough currently lie 5th in the Premiership table, and while this season is sure to have its ups and downs, an impressive start we would usually go without will hopefully see us consolidate a reasonably successful season.

Boro see of Stoke City at the Riverside.

Discussion started by Down by the Riverside (IP Logged), 31/08/2008 11:51

Down by the Riverside
31/08/2008 11:51

Boro see of Stoke City at the Riverside.

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Spirit of Steaua
01/09/2008 20:19

I think you got the game just right Luke. Aliadiere is under-rated I think. It's great to see pace on both wings.

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Spirit of Steaua
07/09/2008 18:42

At least Boro provide targets for Downing to cross to. It seems crazy for Capello to take him off just as he put Heskey on. Joe Cole could have played in the middle.

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Spirit of Steaua
10/09/2008 16:57

The more strange things happen in the Premiership - Newcastle, West Ham Man City and the rest - it's great to be a Boro fan. Chairman from Park End, great academy, good to watch. Just need to see what we get from Portsmouth - if it goes well we can look forward to a good season (apart from our usual run of bad results at Christmas!!).
C'mom Boro

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