At Ewood Park, Middlesbrough defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-0, securing the much-needed victory they had come for.
In front of a poisonous home crowd, Boro took advantage of Blackburn’s difficulties to send Valerien Ismael’s team to a fifth straight loss. Boro handled the situation brilliantly, scoring twice in eight minutes after racing out of the traps and then masterfully controlling the game to win 2-0.
Tommy Conway and Danny Batth’s own goal, in which the former Boro loanee deflected Samuel Iling-Junior’s shot past Teessider Aynsley Pears, gave Boro the victory. The Boro players’ ratings are shown here.
It wasn’t one of his busier games; the Boro goalie earned his third clean sheet with just two comparatively simple saves. He performed admirably when he collected a few balls in the air, even though it’s not always his strongest suit.
Anfernee Dijksteel – 7
A solid performance from the right-back. With Boro racing into the lead like they did, they didn’t need to over-commit to attack much after. But Dijksteel was solid defensively to help Boro see the game out.
Jonny Howson – 8
Another excellent performance at the heart of Boro’s defence. The whole team look so much calmer with Howson in the side and it’s everything to do with his composure within a game. He was solid throughout, setting the tone with some crunching, but fair, tackles.
Neto Borges – 7
A real shame for Borges to be forced off with injury after just half an hour. He’s been in such a positive moment and started this one really assured again. Hopefully the ankle injury doesn’t prove too serious.
Samuel Iling-Junior – 8
Another really encouraging performance from the left-back. He’s starting to make that position his own. He was really solid defensively and put in a few really important tackles. He produced some excellent flicks and passes down the wing too, while playing a big part in the second goal, which unfortunately is unlikely to go down as his.
Aidan Morris – 7
Solid throughout after recovering from a sloppy start. He protected the back four well and commanded the middle of the park.
Hayden Hackney – 7
Positive throughout and full of energy. He constantly looked to drive his side forward when he could, while never neglecting his defensive responsibilities either.
Delano Burgzorg – 7
A return to his more positive and impactful displays, Burgzorg might have killed the game off when he broke through just before coming off, only to misplace his square ball for Conway across goal. It was an example of his positive drive with the ball that terrified Blackburn throughout though. Played a big part in the second goal, having the patience to wait for Iheanacho to create space for himself.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 7
While there were still one or two slack touches, this was probably Iheanacho’s best display in a Boro shirt yet. He tracked back well to make some decent recovery tackles, while at the other end played his part in a number of Boro attacks, including both Boro goals.
Finn Azaz – 6
A rare game in which Azaz actually wasn’t that influential and yet Boro still managed to perform well in. Azaz ultimately struggled to get on the ball as much as he’d like and his finishing was lacking in one or two efforts he got. He linked well early on with Iling-Junior though, and was always trying to make an impact in the game.
Tommy Conway – 8
Moved clear of Emmanuel Latte Lath with his 12th goal of the season with his goal in just the second minute of the game. Beyond that, his work-rate was superb throughout. That was summarised by a long run back and sliding tackle he made in Boro’s half just before the break. He was heavily involved in so much that Boro did positively on the night, and his efforts typified the Boro performance.
Changes
Rav van den Berg (for 32′ Borges) – 7 – Van den Berg, who came on earlier than anticipated, slid back in with ease, fought exceptionally well, and dominated in the air to keep his team ahead.
For Burgzorg, Morgan Whittaker (71′) – 6 – Another good cameo off the bench. Even though Boro was now controlling the most of the game, certain counterattacks were sparked off by deft touches and flicks.
Dan Barlaser (for Iheanacho, 86’) – N/A
Ryan Giles (for Azaz, 86’) – N/A
Marcus Forss (for Conway, 86’) – N/A
