Middlesbrough left it late to secure all three points against Birmingham City at The Riverside after substitute Morgan Rogers prodded home the winner in the 89th minute to secure their fifth win on the bounce.
It was no more than Boro deserved though, and Michael Carrick-who spoke in his post-match interview, aired on the club website, was once again delighted with the impact of the players who were introduced off the substitutes bench.
The head coach spoke of his team’s performance in glowing terms, saying, “We’re chuffed to bits to win the game, I certainly thought we had enough chances, we had chances to create bigger chances as well.”
Referring to the fact that substitute Morgan Rogers scored and Emannuel Latte Lath also played a part in the goal, he added, “Yeah, it’s something we’re really big on, It’s going to help us hopefully over the course of the season and the roles are going to rotate and be shared.
“Sometimes it’s an impact off the bench, sometimes it’s finishing the game, sometimes it’s starting the game and that’s the beauty of having a good squad and the options.
“I’d have to say, for the last few weeks we’ve had a massive impact off the bench, and in the end, it’s what’s seen us over the line and won us the game.
“Today, one goal made the difference, and everyone played their part.”
Squad depth key for Boro
It may not have seemed it early in the season, but Middlesbrough’s squad and the depth of their talent could be crucial this season. The fact that this was the first time Carrick has named an unchanged side tells it’s own story.
Rogers, Latte Lath and Marcus Forss all came on and made a difference against Birmingham, and that has happened a lot recently. Latte Lath scored a wonderful goal after coming off the bench against Cardiff, Rogers assisted and Forss scored against Sunderland off the bench too.
You could say that part of that process in using so many players was trying to find the right formula with twelve new faces coming through the door, but also, he is constantly, but intelligently utilising all of the resources available to him to combat what will be a gruelling schedule this season, as is always the case with the Championship.
Yesterday, the Rooney circus came to town, with a whole lot of media glare focused on ‘Wazza’s’ Birmingham City, but it was Boro, who basically dominated the game from start to finish. In terms of goal-scoring opportunities, Boro may not have been banging on the door, more tapping politely for a very long time, like a cold-caller that won’t take no for an answer.
Eventually, Boro got through, and it was a former Manchester City youngster who stuck the boot into former Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney, with Morgan Rogers registering in the Championship for the first time.
Changes likely with busy schedule ahead
Michael Carrick now faces games on Tuesday, Saturday and then Tuesday, Saturday again, with one home game against Stoke, surrounded by trips to Norwich, Exeter and Plymouth to navigate.
It means that there is likely to be some shuffling of the pack over the course of the next few weeks. Tommy Smith’s injury suffered against Birmingham looked a bad one, so Rav van den Berg, who returned to the bench, could deputise, as could Anfernee Dijksteel.
Josh Coburn has had a lot of starts lately and has performed well, but could maybe do with a rest as the games mount up. Latte Lath has impressed from the bench of late and could get a start. Michael Carrick has said that he has no intentions of searching for another forward, instead insisting that he is happy with the diverse threat they offer as a pair.
Club captain Jonny Howson has not started the last two and will hope to feature over the coming games, with Rogers and Forss also pushing for places. It is a healthy situation for Carrick. His starting eleven are playing very well and the other players in the squad are doing everything they can to get into the side with their cameos off the bench.