Both Middlesbrough and Sunderland failed to capitalise on their moments of momentum on Sunday, and had to settle for a point each.
Michael Carrick seemed to be the more frustrated of the two bosses to come away without the win. His side led and appeared in control until Sunderland’s late equaliser, which from Boro’s point of view was very avoidable.
Marcus Forss’ sublime volleyed effort was not enough to take all three points as Boro were pegged back by Rusyn’s long range effort in the 83rd minute that squirmed under Tom Glover after being given the freedom of the right-hand side.
Here are the conclusions drawn from the tempestuous derby affair that finished 1-1.
Sam Greenwood’s successful audition
Some eyebrows were raised when Michael Carrick-in the absence of Latte Lath and Josh Coburn-decided to play a false nine during the Christmas period. It began with Sami Silvera occupying that role against West Brom and then Rotherham. In fairness, at that point there was little alternative given Boro’s severe shortage of fully fit options.
The last few games have seen Boro use Sam Greenwood in the same role due to the unavailability of Emannuel Latte Lath. However, the way in which Greenwood played on Sunday seemed slightly different to Silvera’s offering, probably owing to the fact that he has played in that position at previous clubs Leeds and Sunderland.
Josh Coburn was available to play but is essentially being nursed along with an ongoing issue and it was Greenwood who got the nod to play against his former club.
Relentless work ethic
Sam was the epitome of tireless up front and never stopped working. He pressed hard from the front, made the defenders uncomfortable, and showed some glimpses of what he could deliver in that central striker spot.
His pace very nearly brought him a goal, as he constantly tried to perfect the timing of his runs in behind. He created a chance for Finn Azaz in the first half after making the keeper rush out to his feet, which saw the ball break to Azaz who ballooned over. He also saw his own effort dragged wide when put through by Lukas Engel.
Overall, Greenwood played on the shoulder of the defence, and although he did drop deep at times to help win the ball, he offered more of an orthadox striker threat than just being a false nine. It is clear that Carrick currently prefers to have a striker than can stretch the play and get in behind teams. That could mean that Greenwood’s showing will see him in this role for the coming weeks, with Latte Lath not ready to return.
Howson-Barlaser axis lacks pace
There were times during the game, where Sunderland walked through the supposed protection in front of the back four. That is not to be overly critical of Jonny Howson or Dan Barlaser. Both have been excellent in the absence of Hayden Hackney. But when playing against high-energy teams with plenty of pace, we are often overrun in midfield and Carrick must decide whether that pairing has the right blend moving forward.
The positive is that although Hackney was played further forward against the Black Cats, the return of McGree could see Hackney drop back into is regular position. Lewis O’Brien is also now working hard to earn a start, and I would not be surprised to see him play in the first eleven over the course of the next few games. His robust, energetic style might just offer a bit of steel to the midfield too.
It will be interesting to see the Boro head Coach’s thinking now that he has all four central midfielders available.
Isaiah Jones a huge loss
The pace, trickery and ball carrying prowess of Isaiah Jones was a big loss in this game. He receives unfair criticism a lot of the time, mainly because he is willing to try things and make things happen. It does not always come off but he is one of only a few players who can go past defenders and get in behind.
A lot of Boro’s work is as a result of players drifting in to that ten position, or making a move centrally, but Jones’ skill set turns opposition defenders on their heels and has them running towards their own goal.
Everything was a little bit narrow against Sunderland, and Carrick’s side struggled to hit their opponents on the break with any real speed.
Width a problem vs Sunderland
Although Forss’ goal was expertly dispatched, his general style when playing on the right, is a more direct route from the right flank, to the inside forward position. He will always be looking to get on the end of something, or get a shot off. There is nothing wrong with that, but with Azaz looking to come inside from the left as well, and Luke Ayling pinned back by the impressive Jack Clarke, Boro lacked the width desired in wide attacking areas.
When Jones returns, Michael Carrick will have to decide whether Marcus Forss is more dangerous as an option on the right, or whether he is a suitable option up front. In fairness to Carrick, Forss is managing to score goals from his current position on the right, so he may be tempted to still use him in that role. He has scored 5 goals this season, despite only starting 4 games. According to stats website FOTMOB, Forss was Boro’s highest rated player against Sunderland, with a rating of 7.9. He had 6 touches in the opposition box, highlighting his willingness to get forward and score goals.
Middlesbrough face Bristol City next and will be looking to get a home win and maintain some degree of pressure on those above them in the play-off places.