All the goals in two minutes & 10 seconds:
Great to get the win but Boro were very lucky to get out of jail today. Hopefully KH will now get the message load and clear that the defence needs to be sorted. Any promotion contender worth their salt would comfortably close out a game where they are 3-1 up without the need for an injury time winner. It almost seems that the attitude is that we’ll score more than the opposition so no need to worry about the defending but that is a very risky approach that usually doesn’t end well. As I recall Kevin Keegan tried it years ago at Newcastle and lost out on winning the league.
.
@werdermouth Phew (again!) - Philips gets Boro out of jail after criminal defending - did Boro deserve it? You be the judge...
Just got home after being at the game.. As Philip said, not for the faint hearted.
So Boro do it again, another game of two halves and nearly through it away.
Norwich are a very good side, with some excellent forward players. Vulnerable at the back, but so were Boro. In the end, we probably deserved the three points, but then I may be biased.
Listening to Hellberg on the way home, he did comment on two things. We should have made more of the chances we created in the first half……agree.
Second half we were OK until the substitutions started to be made. Norwich then stepped up a notch, Boro lost their shape somewhat and virtually conceded the middle of the park.
Hellberg commented on this and said he has to take the blame for the players not doing what he wanted.
I was concerned about Morris as he apparently had some kind of fitness test prior to the warmup. There were holes all over at the back and if we should lose Morris, I am not sure how we would cope.
Peart-Harris does not appear to be the answer, I just hope the the Rangers lad has something about him when he is up to speed.
However, in the end, a very good crowd, good away support and an excellent entertaining game, for a neutral. 🫣🫣
@boroexile There has to be a halfway house, some kind of compromise along the line. We have spent a fare amount of money on the defence, is it any better than last season?
We have brought in midfielders, but are they any good at defending?
Dom Shaw attempts to make sense of this afternoon's match in the Echo:
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/26545311.middlesbrough-edge-norwich-championship-thriller/
It seems it wasn't just his maiden goal for Boro for Phillips, but his first ever league goal, full stop!
Player ratings in the Hartlepool Mail:
No point in posting a link to the Gazette's as I have "0 free articles remaining"!
Not .sure my nerves or heart can take many more games like that.
Thanks, Powmill for the Match Preview. Sorry not to have contributed earlier and I haven't (yet) read any posts other than the Preview so I have come to the (current) end of the thread to offer my congrats to Powmill and the Boro.
I liked the recipe, Powmill, but I think the managers threw little more into the pot. No meagre 3-2 today but a 4-3 bursting with joy at the end. I am tired and need a cuppa, having got back from the stadium. I will say this: the new winger from Brighton (sadly I believe only on loan) adds some spice to the bowl. He is a welcome addition.
Let’s celebrate the 3 points! We got over the line with this and the Lincoln win so small margins maybe going for us this year? Transition from attacking does seem problematic so definitely some tweaks required in terms of attacking and defensive balance.
See below. It really does show the precarious nature of transfers. I think Boro should be congratulated on their business over the last few years. Yes some misses but also many hits along the way. UTB
Back home now after, let’s say, an interesting afternoon! As others have already said, not sure those with dicky tickers can cope. Maybe future games should come with a health warning “watching Boro can damage your health and those of a nervous disposition should only watch from behind the sofa after checking your blood pressure first”!
So far, two games attended live and both with last gasp winners so beware for my next game which is scheduled for 31 October.
As has already been mentioned, we onky have ourselves to blame for the goals we conceded which came from allowing them free rein in the middle of the park which KH hinted at post match. Maddo said the same in that the midfield need to be tighter. So far this season, it has looked to me that we are backing off players too much and also appear reluctant to push out when defending. Instead sit back and try and defend -at times, in my opinion, we were taking too long on the ball with Malandra being one of the worst offenders.
KH implied that the substitutions made a difference and not in a good way for us as before then, we looked Ok although not 100% confident and I a,ways felt that if they scored, we would be in for a nervous time and so it proved.
Delighted with the result and how we pulled it back against a decent side although it is still a work in progress for me.
For me Cozier Durberry was the MOTM, he has pace and skill and was tracking back, far better than Whittaker ever did - in fact it was his tackle deep in his own half that led to one of the goals.
Onwards and upwards to Tuesday where 3 points will see us top the table.
UTB
For me Cozier Durberry was the MOTM, he has pace and skill and was tracking back, far better than Whittaker ever did - in fact it was his tackle deep in his own half that led to one of the goals.
The Beeb agrees (a spot of scrolling-down required):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c687v32jwnrqt
@stircrazy - not often that the BBC agrees with me!
@boroexile There has to be a halfway house, some kind of compromise along the line. We have spent a fare amount of money on the defence, is it any better than last season?
We have brought in midfielders, but are they any good at defending?
Based on what we have seen thus far, I am not convinced that we have midfielders who have the ability to defend when called upon. Why else is KH trying to push Malandra into that role. THis afternoon, in the second half it looked like we had switched to a back 3 with Malandra moving forward.
IF KH is going to persist with this, then I would be inclined to have Jones Phillips and Ayling as the back 3.
Didn't watch the game live but saw the highlights this morning. The opening goal a mistake by Morris and as I feared Borges caught up field, and if you watch he put in very little effort to track back. This was the third time this season that Norwich have scored in the first five minutes of a game. The second half goals once again showed how open we can be when we are attacking. However, reading comments on some City sites many of their supporters that they are having the same issues losing possession in transition. But alls well that ends well and we took all three points. Hopefully the coaching staff will start to sort out our defensive frailties if we are truly to challenge for promotion.
I was able to read the Gazette ratings by accessing the article through the App, even though on the website it told me had no free articles.
@mw-in-darwin Brittain was also caught in the same more than once, leaving a big gap to be exploited. Fortunately he had ACD in front of him that helped during the game.
Conway on the other side also worked hard, but gaps were left. In fact on a couple of occasions Borges was high upfield when Boro were attacking and didn’t need to be.
The other player getting caught up field is Berhalter. Of course it is difficult to criticise someone who scores two goals and an assist. However quite a lot of the game he was left upfield during a turn over, and did not look as though he was trying to get back quickly.
With his passing and possible eye for goals, maybe he should be behind Lankshear and have Barron alongside Morris.
That should make us defensively better, block the hole we keep leaving in the middle (that Malander tries to fill at times).
However Hellberg likes to be always on the front foot, pressing, attacking and creating chances.
We do all of that and until yesterday the end product, goals, has not been sufficient. I am not sure Hellberg, despite what he said post match will change. If not then we will continue to leak goals, and if the goals do not come, we won’t win the the games.
The team is still a work in progress and obviously if players move into advanced roles then other players need to cover them defensively. What was apparent yesterday as just how much space there was in the centre of the pitch during transition - which allowed Norwich the time and space to run at the Boro defence that usually meant the defence running back and not engaging with the player on the ball as they were often short on numbers to cover runners.
Although, this is not unusually for teams who play this progressive style of football and Norwich were equally open defensively - even top teams like Chelsea have been defensively exposed in transition and concede a lot of goals on the break.
However, Boro play a midfield two and both full-backs also encouraged to get forward, which means if one of those midfielders is moving into advanced attacking positions numbers are short to cover opposition breaks - or if attacks break down.
It's a numbers game if Hellberg plays a fluid formation where players interchange but ensuring the team doesn't get stretched to the point where the distances between defence and midfield are no longer able to be covered.
Still, another win and a chance to go top of the table on Tuesday must indicate that Boro have a squad that can challenge for a top two this season. Players also still getting up to speed and improving fitness. We've yet to see Connor Baron or much from Pukstas - plus many other big signings are gradually getting minutes on the pitch too.
Early days and more improvement to come I would suggest!
And I saw only the second half!An excellent first half from Boro who have played some quality football at times.
Fingers crossed that we have a positive second half as the canaries are still looking dangerous against a less than solid Boro defence.
Stand out performances from Berhalter and Cozier-Duberry who has been positive both offensively and defensively. 😎
I was at the local Alfa Romeo Drivers meeting and we also did some travelling on a steam engined train. A lot of fun and interesting people. I own just one Alfa Romeo, most people had four!
Anyway, my wife drove us back, so I was able to watch the second half on the go. ViaPlay showed the match live and I had my tablet with me on the front seat streaming the match live on HD quality. Life is good.
I am really looking forward to seeing the first half in full when availabe at mfc.co.uk.
A great result even though the last two Norwich goals were avoidable. Malanda is usually the best defender on the pitch, but he made a mess of the pass to the Norwich striker who scored.
And the equaliser was nearly comic. Morris went for a Norwich player who was already covered by two Boro players and left an unmarked Norwich player behind him. And when Norwich attacked the empty space, there was only the two central defender in place. Where were BOTH full backs, for example? They were nowhere to be seen on TV. Hence it was nearly comical for me.
Anyway, the first half must have been a treat to watch. We are a very good team. When was the last time people saw seven (7) goals at Riverside?
I have a gut feeling that we will see Boro scoring five or six goal in a game this season.
Next Millwall on Tuesday and a possibility to go top of the division. Live on ViaPlay again in here.
Up the Boro!
@stircrazy. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-player-ratings-vs-norwich-34608205
Thanks, Pedro, but no go: I still get the "0 free articles" message!
@stircrazy. I am using my iPad and when I click on the article the “Reading Mode” symbol appears on the left side of the browser bar. Click on that and you can then read the article.
Many of the premium articles become available in that mode after a day or so. 😎
@stircrazy. I am using my iPad and when I click on the article the “Reading Mode” symbol appears on the left side of the browser bar. Click on that and you can then read the article.
Many of the premium articles become available in that mode after a day or so. 😎
KP: I appreciate the advice, but you've lost me! I'm barely computer-literate & use a laptop with Windows, my browser being Firefox. The "0 free articles" message pops up the second I click on the link, so no time to look for symbols. That said, I wouldn't know a "reading mode" symbol if it came up & hit me in the face! I don't even possess a smart 'phone!
I you're using windows and firefox then what you have to do is look at the url address box in the browser (i.e. web address) when you visit a page
- a page icon (a rectangle with three different length horizontal lines) will appear on the right of this web address bar - usually next to the star icon where you make it a favourite.
- this is the reader view option
- you should click on it as soon as you see it before the page has fully loaded
- you will then just get the text
- you can also press F9 when this icon appears (depending on you keyboard this may involve pressing a Fn (function button) together with the F9 key)
I you're using windows and firefox then what you have to do is look at the url address box in the browser (i.e. web address) when you visit a page
- a page icon (a rectangle with three different length horizontal lines) will appear on the right of this web address bar - usually next to the star icon where you make it a favourite.
- this is the reader view option
- you should click on it as soon as you see it before the page has fully loaded
- you will then just get the text
- you can also press F9 when this icon appears (depending on you keyboard this may involve pressing a Fn (function button) together with the F9 key)
Cheers, Werder, much appreciated. It worked, the "reader view" option, that is! 🙂
Werder’s advice is how I read some articles, especially behind a pay wall.
However, hopefully this has worked
Ashley Phillips was the hero as he scored a stoppage-time winner to help Middlesbrough win a seven-goal thriller against Norwich City.
Maintaining Boro’s 100% record at home this season, it proved a dramatic game that swung on numerous occasions, with Boro appearing to have thrown away a position of comfort.
They led 3-1 through goals from Sebastian Berhalter (two) and Amario Cozier-Dubbery after falling behind in less than a minute.
But fading in the second half and losing their attacking talent, Norwich pulled the game level with two goals in five open minutes. Then came Phillips’ moment in stoppage time to seal the win. Here’s how the Boro players rated.
Radek Vitek - 6
Concedes three goals on the day but none were goals you feel he should save, with Boro too open defensively. Made one good save at 2-1 before his side started to get a grip.
Article continues below
Callum Brittain - 7
Captain again, he attacked well and supported Cozier-Duberry, while producing trademark quality passing. Somewhat fortunate not to have conceded a penalty, though.
Alfie Jones - 5
Wasn’t ultimately punished for it but looked vulnerable in the first half when Norwich used pace to get in behind. Withdrawn at the break.
Adilson Malanda - 6
Largely solid and played some excellent balls out of defence. But could have done better with Norwich’s second as he failed to sort his feet and cut out a ball he should have.
Neto Borges - 7
Another excellent display from the left-back who showed his commitment to defending with some big blocks and tackles which saw Boro fans singing his name.
Aidan Morris - 6
A strange performance because for the most part he was excellent and dictating the tempo for his side. But his sloppy pass gave Norwich their early opener, while he was a little unfortunate but ultimately didn’t stop Wright getting through him for the second. Left looking exposed in midfield as Norwich broke for their equaliser.
Sebastian Berhalter - 8
At times, Berhalter could have been tighter in possession. Summing up the chaos of the game, he misplaced his more simple passes. But he ends the game with two goals and played a wonderful cross-field ball for the second before taking the free-kick for the late winner, so how can you not give him man of the match?
Amario Cozier-Duberry - 8
In for his first league start, he made a huge impact. As well as a well-taken goal, he started that attack with his defensive doggedness to turn over possession. He was a constant threat before fading.
Riley McGree - 7
While he didn’t have as direct an impact on the goals, his technical ability proved complimentary to the pace of the wide men to make for a really exciting Boro attack.
Tommy Conway - 8
Thankfully not punished in the end for a couple of wasted moments that he can be prone too. But in general, he looked so sharp and so threatening throughout. The game turned in Norwich’s favour when Conway had to come off. He played a big role in the equaliser with his press, and the second, with an excellent chest control and driving run.
Will Lankshear - 7
Not as involved in the overall game. Battled hard with his back to goal, but there was a couple of sloppy moments with his passing. Nevertheless, even without ever getting a chance of his own, he rescued the ball and played it back across for Phillips to win it.
Subs
Ashley Phillips (For Jones, 46’) - 7 - A great moment for the defender as he popped up with a big last-minute winner.
Peart-Harris (For McGree, 63’) - 5 - A really sloppy pass ultimately started the Norwich counter that almost cost Boro the game. He didn’t get a grip or help Boro enjoy the same comfort to win the game from a commanding position.
Kyle Joseph (For Conway, 63’) - 5 - Made a couple of big tackles, with his work-rate not lacking. But the difference between his threat compared to Conway’s was evident.
Max Arfsten (For Cozier-Duberry, 73’) - 6 - Offered more than the two who came on before him, but might have been more decisive in a couple of decent openings.
Luke Ayling (For Lankshear, 92’) - N/A
Article continues below
Alternatively, you probably need to delete the Gazette cookies (i.e. the files browsers save for each site visited) that save your visits and articles read.
This is quite simple - copy the text below (shown in blue) and paste into the Firefox web address bar and press enter to open the Firefox settings required:
about:preferences#privacy
- Scroll down until you see a heading called Browsing data
- Click on the option: Clear data for specific sites
- A popup box will appear, where it says 'search websites' type: Gazette
- You should see in the list below: gazettelive.co.uk
- click on it and it will be highlighted in blue
- click on the 'remove selected' button and then press 'save changes'
- another popup will appear to confirm: just click on the 'Remove' button
You should now have reset your articles viewed to zero
Note: I had to edit the link I previously gave to delete the cookies and replace it with text to copy and paste as the Diasboro site appears to add its own web address into the link
Not sure I would have rated Conway on a par with Cozier-Duberry with 8/10 - I thought while he had a good opening 10-15 minutes and does cover the pitch with enthusiasm, he doesn't always make the best decisions and wasted several opportunities to play in a teammate. Also not sure if Lankshear deserved a 7 just for the pass that Philips converted - probably had his least influential game in a Boro shirt.
The Under 21's also scored 4 goals this weekend in a 4-4 draw with Leeds. Cruz Ibeh scored a hat trick, George Edmundson and Alex Bangura played just over and hour, and Johnnie Howson came on as a sub for Leeds.
Hi all,
Popping in to let you know that I am working on the Millwall preview as I type and it will be up as soon as possible. I do have thoughts on our recent form, but am carrying them forward to the preview itself.
#UTB