Couldn't have wanted more than that after Coventry last Saturday to go into the international this week with 6 points and 9 goals - and some great goals to boot. Finn Azaz capped off a MotM performance with a stunning strike to add to his earlier goal - with Latte Lath now looking coolness personified in front of goal with a superb turn and strike and then a shimmy to lay on a second for Burgzorg - plus that goal in midweek that left the defenders on the floor as he danced it in. All in all some excellent performances with Dijksteel also impressing again and of course Doak who looks a head above at this level!
Only downside is spare a thought for Len who was stuck on a plane and missed his first game of the season...
Btw After averaging a goal a game in their first 11 games, Boro are now currently joint top scorers in the Championship after scoring 12 in the 4 games since then - with those 4 games producing 20 goals!
Hoping for good boro today, won't hold my breath
Well knock me over with a feather very good boro turned up, almost a Christmas miracle
Great win with five fantastic goals and a MoTM performance of Finn Azaz who seems to be improving as the season progresses.
So much for my prediction of ⚽️-⚽️ 😂
Could do without a b…dy international break.
Perfect day. 😊😊😎
Overall, a very enjoyable game to watch.
okay, the first 30 minutes was nothing special from 2 average teams and Luton could have scored when Dieng was flat footed as the ball went past the post.
However, once Boro scored they looked a much better team and fully took control of the game. Special mention to Latte Lath who scored an impressive goal - he never stops running and trying and was the reason for the third goal starting with his harassing an opponent. Based solely on this performance I’d start him every game.
At 4-0 Luton were totally demoralised and only due to Boro having a sloppy few minutes plus a mistake by a Boro player giving the ball away allowed them to score. That would have been a sad end to the game but a super strike by Azaz resumed normal service. He played well.
I was very disappointed by Luton. They were a shadow of the team in the second half of the season in the Premiership with their never say die attitude. I think they got their tactics wrong by playing too high up the pitch which allowed Boro to play longer passes and balls over the top for Latte Lath who won his fair share. By comparison , playing the same way with Conway on the pitch was a waste of time as he won nothing in the air.
So, a good team performance and a 5-1 score can only help confidence and it improves Boro’s goal difference.
Wasn’t this much better to watch with the ball played forward more and balls over the top for players to run on to and to harass opponents compared to the possession based football of pass, pass , pass.?
Nearly forgot- my least favourite player Burgzorg scored two goals, so that was a bonus .I watched him a lot and in the first 30 minutes all he seemed to do was to tell teammates what to do by pointing to where they should be. And then he scored 👍
Philip of Huddersfield 👍👍😂😂
Player ratings
Pretty well unanimous.
Northern Echo:
Hartlepool Mail:
Gazette:
And a word of sympathy for George Edmundson:
I thought Ayling didn't look uncomfortable at left-back and seemed to defend pretty well and was able to find his passes and get up the pitch down the left to provide a wide option going forward. I asks the question with Dijksteel also looking good at right-back then should Carrick stick with these two as full-backs if the only other option is Borges and then dropping one them?
Further news of Mogga's illness - he is being treated for bowel cancer. The prognosis seems positive:
What a tonic today’s game was - hope it cheered you up, those of you who are ill or suffering!
Nine goals in two games, and not a scrappy one amongst them! And another 3 at Norwich a while back! This is dreamland.
I had serious doubts when I read the line-up, but great credit to Carrick. He got everything right today, and perhaps has shown us he does have a plan B after all?! What’s more, some of the less used members of the squad got some valuable game-time and made terrific contributions.
And isn’t it just typical that we start a winning streak playing really fine football when along comes yet another international break to cause a pause? It’s totally unwanted and unwarranted. I’ll be livid if it breaks Boro’s rhythm and hinders our progress once real football returns.
A subtle change in style has transformed the Boro. None of this to me, to you, tippy tappy football but a more direct inter passing approach which was effective.
This game also coincided with the coming to terms of Carrick Ball by Azaz who had finally seen what the manager wants from him and delivered the goods in his best mom performance to date for Boro.
It was interesting to hear MC at the end of the game praising Barlaser as well, so perhaps this is going to be another midfielder who will rise to the challenge of Carrick ball?
OFB
@stircrazy Speaking about his cancer can only help him.The kindness of fans will give him strength to overcome this awful illness. We all offer our best wishes Philip of Huddersfield
@stircrazy Speaking about his cancer can only help him. The kindness of fans will give him strength to overcome this awful illness. We all offer our best wishes Philip of Huddersfield
We were also fortunate that he sat in on the Radio Tees commentary team that accompanies the Riverside Live stream of the game. It was fascinating to listen to his stunningly accurate analysis of the game and to hear his predictions come true. A real football brain and one can only hope that he makes a complete recovery and is with us for many more years. Incidentally, he would make a great 'elder statesman' at the side of Michael Carrick.
UTB
Thanks for the link. Yesterday, it was nice to watch the match via BoroLive as Mogga was there in addition to Maddo as an extra commentator. He said this team will finish in the top six or even in the top two. He sees similaruities with Ipswich of last season.Further news of Mogga's illness - he is being treated for bowel cancer. The prognosis seems positive:
love Mogga to bits. I was dreaming he would have stayed as a manager for a decade at least.
Anyway, what a responce from Carrick's team to the last home defeat (including a red card) with a 5-1 win. Absolutely magnificent performance and result.
Up the Boro!
@clive-hurren I agree with you about the 'international breaks' they are just messing up the season, for what? No doubt there'll be injuries never mind players globetrotting about to the other side of the world. Still the administrators know all.
Fantastic result yesterday as everyone has said, let's hope the momentum isn't dissipated by the break. As OFB says a few minor adjustments and growing understanding of what is required has made a difference for certain. Let's hope the defensive frailties are being sorted out however a treat to watch.
As always best wishes to our injury list and to Mogga too. Can, could, is it possible for you to.do an interview with him OFB. A big ask I know, I fully understand what he is going through.
ATB everyone and UTB.
John
I know Mogga from when he was an 18 year old setting out on his career journey. He coached my eldest son at Coatham FC and when we were stood on the touchline together watching the football he confided in me that he was going to be Middlesbrough manager one day.
If others would like to hear from him I’ll see if I can arrange it as he lives near me.
let me know Diasborians ?
OFB
@original-fat-bob I'd love to hear from Mogga. Forget football, an outstanding person full stop.
I'm not so sure though I'd like to see him back at the Boro right now. MC has his own crew and agenda and thinking and is mature enough to seek advice if it is needed rather than having it on tap which can be overbearing for anyone. Sadly, I don't think there is a place at Middlesbrough for Mogga at the moment.
An ornamental role only would be crass and, more pertinently, Mogga still has a lot to give in his own right as a manager. The Boro blip aside - and he was boss at a hugely challenging and nigh on impossible time - he has been an excellent and highly popular manager at many of his clubs. But MC is his own boss now and needs to run things his way.
i think we'll go up this season and I have no doubt that no-one will be more proud of that than Mogga,
@original-fat-bob. Yes please. Who wouldn’t want to hear from one of our own legends.
I was pleased to listen to him yesterday giving his insight on the game and also delighted to hear that he is getting closer to full health. 😎
@original-fat-bob No need to ask Bob. I am sure everyone in here would be absolutely delighted if TM would share his thoughts with us through you. I am sure he already knows, but do let him know just how much we all hold him in esteem.
absolutely. He is an important page (or two) in the story of the club and still has a lot to offer.
utb
I know Mogga from when he was an 18 year old setting out on his career journey. He coached my eldest son at Coatham FC and when we were stood on the touchline together watching the football he confided in me that he was going to be Middlesbrough manager one day.
If others would like to hear from him I’ll see if I can arrange it as he lives near me.
let me know Diasborians ?
OFB
I'll second, third, fourth & fifth the other affirmative answers on here: yes, please, Bob. 👍
Go ahead, OFB. I would be perfect for the International break, but that might be too soon to arrange.
Up the Boro!
Praise from the Gazette for Aidan Morris & Finn Azaz for their performances in yesterday's match:
And the Echo's analysis of MC's squad as a whole:
@john-richardson agree.love to hear from Tony M.
philip
I’m sure we’d all like to hear from TM - my only caveat is that he might have more important things on his mind, although given he was involved in the commentary this week, he may welcome a reminder of the high esteem in which we all hold him.
Yes please, OFB! If you possibly can.
Watched a cracking Premiership game this afternoon- Notts Forest v Newcastle. It was all that is good with football- two attacking teams, tremendous energy and pace, skilful attacking players, a bit of shoving and pushing with no quarter given.
It made me realise more than ever how far ahead these players are compared to anything in the Championship.
It also made me think do we want Boro to operate at this level when a draw would be an achievement. I can’t see whichever teams are promoted can successfully compete at this level . Before a season starts all promoted teams know that avoiding relegation will be a major achievement.
So , for the time being i will enjoy Boro’s performances particularly when they play as well as they did on Saturday.
Philip of Huddersfield 👍😂
The source that told me that VDB had injured himself in training, has now said, it looks as though it could be long term, up to three months. ☹️