On Wednesday night, Middlesbrough defeated Norwich City with a significant victory.
‘Boro’s only victory in their last eight league games came at The Riverside Stadium, where they defeated the Canaries 3-1.
This has provided much-needed breathing room for Michael Carrick’s team above the relegation zone. They are now nine points above of the bottom three in the Championship table, ranked 12th.
The game may have been decided by the somewhat contentious red card given to Norwich City winger Borja Sainz at the halfway point.
That does not appear to have worried the Middlesbrough manager all that much, though. Rather than complaining, Carrick is relieved to record those crucial three points.
The opponents were down to ten men with thirty minutes remaining and Norwich City ahead 1-0.
Sainz engaged Jonny Howson in a 50/50 battle before seemingly catching the Middlesbrough midfielder with his studs in the aftermath.
Referee Bobby Madley decided to send the Norwich City player off based solely on that. Following that, the game’s momentum changed, and the hosts went on to win the rest of it.
Against ten men, Middlesbrough easily took three points after scoring their three goals.
There were rumours that the Sainz red card was harsh even during the game, but it doesn’t appear like Carrick is too concerned about it.
Following the match, the Middlesbrough manager spoke with the Teeside Gazette over the red card judgement.
“Neither have I seen it back, nor have I communicated with Jonny.”
“It is what it is.” I haven’t seen it back yet, but I will see it eventually. It didn’t really matter, to be honest, and tonight’s performance didn’t need to be flawless. All we wanted to do was rekindle that feeling in everyone, but especially in the lads. it we accomplished it makes me very happy.
Middlesbrough’s next match comes on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Road against QPR.
Without a doubt, Sainz’s red card changed the outcome of this game.
Norwich City appeared to be the only team with a chance of winning, since they were dominating the game with 11 men on the pitch.
But as soon as they were up against ten men, Middlesbrough’s night became quite easy.
The red card appeared to be a severe one, according to replays. Perhaps unluckily, Sainz made very little eye contact with Howson and was therefore seen as red.
Middlesbrough, though, shouldn’t be too concerned about that. Due to a decline in performance that was putting them in danger of dropping into the relegation zone, the hosts were desperate to win this game.
They were able to accomplish it because to Sainz’s sending off, and they should be commended for how well they used that chance against ten men.
So, it will be intriguing to watch if they can build on this this coming Saturday against a rejuvenated and in-form QPR team.
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