Middlesbrough were worthy of all three points as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 in the Championship on Monday.
Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick capped a positive Easter weekend with a commanding performance and win over Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday.
After a strong point away at Southampton on Friday, Boro scored either side of half-time against the Owls, with the 2-0 scoreline perhaps flattering the Yorkshire team.
Middlesbrough are now unbeaten in six and sit in 10th place of the Championship table, with six points between them and the top six.
Middlesbrough 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday as top six push remains in tact
Middlesbrough were all but out of the play-off race a few weeks ago.
But a run of six games without defeat and a few positive wins has put the wind back in their sails, and the top six back in their sights.
And Monday’s win over Wednesday saw a few players stand out.
Matthew Clarke and Luke Ayling were solid at the back. Lewis O’Brien and Dan Barlaser dictated the midfield and Emmanuel Latte Lath ran the front line.
Carrick also made a makeshift change with captain Jonny Howson starting alongside Clarke at centre-back, and going on to impress Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Leon Wobschall.
Wobschall posted:
Michael Carrick has huge Jonny Howson call to make this summer
Howson is once again coming to the end of his contract.
He’s now signed two one-year extensions with the club as he continues to defy age and the increasing intensity of the Championship.
After a brief spell on the sidelines at the start of March, Howson has since returned, with 33 appearances in the league already this season.
And on Monday he once again showed his experience and class; the 35-year-old did exactly what was asked of him against Wednesday, looking assured at the back and even being a catalyst in starting attacks.
As per Sofascore, Howson made the third-most passes of anyone (70), with 93% completion being the joint-highest of anyone on the pitch.
He also made 5 defensive actions; 2 clearances, 2 tackles, and 1 interception.
And ahead of Howson’s contract expiry in the summer, it looks like he may yet play his way to another one-year deal.
He not only showed his class today but he showed his versatility too.
That kind of combination is invaluable in the Championship and with just six games left now, a new deal for the 35-year-old could be announced very soon.