Well, they've survived without conceding for 45 minutes...
Beeb summary:
A tightly contested encounter at the Riverside is all square at the break. Chances have been at a premium, with only three shots for each side and just the one on target for Middlesbrough.
It was Boro who had the most presentable opportunity shortly before half-time when Delano Burgzorg stole the ball off Burnley keeper James Trafford after he'd raced out of his box, but he was unable to divert his effort on target.
The Clarets are on course for yet another clean sheet as things stand, but won't climb above Sheffield United into the automatic promotion places unless they can find a winner.
Decent opening 15 minutes then Burnley took control. No fluent passing by Boro. Poor movement off the ball. Latte Lath getting no decent service.
Burnley look more comfortable and passing the ball better.
A long ball for Latte Lath broke to gave Boro a chance but Burgzorg missed the target.
Burnley look the better team so far but have demonstrated that they do make mistakes which might be Boro’s best chance of scoring.
Half time 0-0. I’d be pleased if this was the full time score.
Boro need to improve their passing and keep possession of the ball better.
Philip of Huddersfield 👍👍
Borges has been below his usual standard tonight 😏
Overall a game of few opportunities as Burnley don’t give team much time on the ball and are well organized - though they’re also not the greatest going forward either but could a game decided by a mistake…
Well, they've survived without conceding for 45 minutes...
Beeb summary:
A tightly contested encounter at the Riverside is all square at the break. Chances have been at a premium, with only three shots for each side and just the one on target for Middlesbrough.
It was Boro who had the most presentable opportunity shortly before half-time when Delano Burgzorg stole the ball off Burnley keeper James Trafford after he'd raced out of his box, but he was unable to divert his effort on target.
The Clarets are on course for yet another clean sheet as things stand, but won't climb above Sheffield United into the automatic promotion places unless they can find a winner.
CJ:
Boro understandably more cautious this evening against a good side, given their recent defensive issues. But if they can just sharpen up in the moments they get to hit on the counter, Burnley feel there for the taking. They look petrified of Latte Lath and Burgzorg's pace. Burgzorg's having one of those evenings where, as lively and threatening as he is, nothing's quite coming off for him so far. many a promising attack has broke down with him so far, but the intent is there from him, which is key.
To be fair, if Burgzorg had an end product he’d be playing in the PL
Edmundson looking tired - probably needs to be subbed before he makes a rash challenge and gets second booking
Jones & McGree on for Doak & Burgzorg in the 72nd minute.
Boro probably looking the most likely to score in the last ten minutes- can they force a winner
Clean sheet for Glover! I guess 0-0 is better than 0-1/2/3.... At least they finish the year in the top six.
The players over 90 minutes deserve credit for drawing the game as Burnley were the better passing team and missed the easiest chance of the game in the second half half. So, it’s the next game which is now the important issue
Philip of Huddersfield 👍👍😁
ps hope Dieng is back next game
Well earned point, but with a bit slicker movement in the final third we could have pinched it. Burnley did miss the best chance to score, so overall, well done Boro.
For me the biggest difference between the two teams is that Burnley close the man receiving the ball so quickly, making it difficult to get a decent pass away. Boro tend to sit off the man, or allow him time to receive, control and find a good next pass.
Anyway, still a lot of work to do. Fortunately there are still several teams around us also lacking a little consistency. Onto play Hull next who will surely be boosted by today's victory at Ewewood.
Not the most surprising result as it was always going to be a tight game - don’t think Glover had a save to make but that was also down to Burnley lacking quality up front. Thought Fry and Dijksteel defended well on the right but the left side looked less secure.
Latte Lath was at his frustrating best in that he tended to foul and stray offside and then even stood on the ball while being a nuisance. Barlaser did well in midfield but Hackney is still struggling and Azaz was kept quiet.
Still overall Boro kept their shape and defended better than a few days ago but didn’t have the final pass or shot to win the three points - it wasn’t our best performance and maybe the lack of fit bodies and Xmas schedule made it just about good enough for a point against a difficult side.
Most will settle for a point without getting upset and it’s a point gained on most of our rivals!
IMHO considering our injuries and suspension, that was a very good point against a team that could have gone second, a point behind Leeds. My MOTM was Dael Fry.
Come on BORO.
I know that you are away at the moment, Werder, and just wanted to check that you will be available to receive my copy for the Hull game on Tuesday
I agree. I’m happy-ish with a point. The most pleasing aspect was that we defended manfully and stoutly against one of the automatic promotion favourites, giving them few real opportunities. Going forward, I thought we caused them some problems, which is commendable against one of the stingiest, best-organised defences in Europe. In the end we had lots of ‘nearly’ moments, just lacking a bit of quality in their box. I agree that Fry had a very good game, but I think Dijksteel just shades my MoM vote.
Blackburn, Sunland and Watford all lost today, so a point is no bad outcome.
As others have said everyone happy with a point. First goalless draw this season, Burnley's 6th, and only 7th clean sheet,Burnley's 14th. Looking at Burnley they look lightweight up front, and will rely on their defence to get promotion, since their first two games they have not scored more than two goals in a game. In all of their games there have only been a total of 39 goals, in Boro games there have been 72 goals so it is watch the Boro for entertainment and Burnley to achieve promotion.
That was a good point given three of the four previous games. Also a good team performance.
I do not agree with CJ’s player ratings. I thought both Fry and Dijksteel did very well. Both worthy of a 7, maybe an eight.
As werder commented about Hackney, what is up with the lad. Too many loose balls and I thought Barlaser was far better than him tonight. In fact, I don’t think I have seen Barlaser make as many tackles as he did.
Burgzorg has pace, can hold the ball, but. He nearly always wants to come inside, on to his right foot and then loses any edge he had.
I think we really do need a left footed wide player to attack the opposition RB. However we bought two players that are right footed in Burgzorg and Hamilton. Why?
However, let’s see what we can do on Wednesday.
However
@pedro I just don’t see Hackney as captain material, although who should wear the armband is anyone’s guess.
As others have said, a point from this game looks a decent return given (a) the last few performances (b) the way today's other games went. Hopefully we can now move forwards. Or "onwards and upwards" as one film character often says.
A CLEAN SHEET! I can hardly recognise such a rarity!
Let the dust settle over these Christmas games and then let's pick up the tools again. Hopefully the season will have a better second half than first half.
Happy New Year everyone, when it comes and wherever in the world you may be.
I think I’ve used up all my prayers this year !
Now I’m making the effort to go to the game I’m sure we’ll enjoy it !
Lets face it whilst we can still get there we might as well go and wait for further advancing years to curtail our activities !
So will it be Boro3 tonight ??? Mmmm it could be Boro0-3 !
I think I shall cast the runes and look at the eyeballs 👀 in the sky !
Yes it’s going to be 👀
0 - 0
OFB
⚽️⚽️
So the eyeballs were right 👁️ 👁️!
OFB
A boring draw result wise. But it was an entertaining 0-0, though. OFB got his prediction correct - a rare goalless draw during Carrick's era in charge.
I thought Fry was good, too. He could have been a captain as he has been before, but nothing against Hackney beeing the skipper yesterday. Where are our natural leaders and elderly players now, like Howson, Lenihan, Ayling, etc?
Next we need to start winning games, now three draws in succession.
Up the Boro!
Just had a count up of the number of clean sheets since MC took over. Apparently yesterday was his 100th Championship game and in those games we have only kept 24 clean sheets. In contrast the Karanka promotion team kept 22 clean sheets in one season after 21 in the previous season. So its a case of defence needs to improve if we are to reach the playoffs.
Two teams that cancelled each other out,although on the night Burnley looked a little more polished, I've seen every top six teams, and I have to say, they all do something we don't, and they swarm in packs to get the ball back, watched Leeds the game before, and they were definitely at it, Sunderland do it ,
I have to say ,Azzaz , for me is a concern, when he's on,hes supperb, but when he's off he is a detriment, because he doesn't at least help to defend or get the ball back, he disappears.
What's interesting ,is for Carrick to get certain players to play ,if you think about it, Clarke , Edmonson, Dyksteel, their contracts are running out, I'm sure their agents are saying,look don't get injured, they could sign a pre agreement, of Boro offer a two year, but other clubs offer a three year, what. Do they do,
I hope Scott is covering all bases , if the right bids come in , they will sell.
Interesting times.
No problem, I’ve got a laptop with me and there’s internet so just email me your text - I’ll probably be out during the day (9-5) but can post it before going out or late afternoon
@gt Got to agree about Azaz. When he is on his game, he can be superb. When he is poor, he is not even nuisance value.
I watched the match on TV and the commentator said about Burnley being so good at recovering the ball, whilst Boro not so. We certainly need Morris back. In fact we really need a “Leadbitter” type player. A leader, can tackle, and get us 7/8 goals a season.
W
While Boro have scored 11 goals more than Burnley I wonder how many of those extra goals have been scored after the game has been won - though given those recent 3-3’s maybe Boro need to score 4 to be certain of the points 🤔
I would take that as a point gained, but to have Burnley defence. We have now won one game in six which is not good reading. One observation from last night why is Hackney the captain? Must admit admit not that impressed gives the ball away still and gives away stupid free kicks, eg pulling player back on edge of box then feigning injury. Hardly the inspirational leader.