Middlesbrough faced off with Cardiff City in a Championship clash on Saturday afternoon.
Boro’s early-season form has been pretty concerning and Michael Carrick will have been looking to put it right versus Cardiff City.
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 on the opening weekend of the campaign but have struggled since that meeting at the Riverside Stadium.
The Teessiders lost to Derby County at Pride Park before drawing with Portsmouth on home soil last weekend.
However, as the Welsh outfit were winless ahead of Saturday’s meeting, Middlesbrough were predicted to beat Cardiff.
The game started off very slowly, with neither side looking anywhere close to their best.
In the end, Boro came away with a 2-0 win thanks to efforts from Matt Clarke and an own goal.
Here we look at one Middlesbrough player who shone v Cardiff City, one who frustrated, and one who must improve…
Aidan Morris shone during Cardiff City vs Middlesbrough
On the whole, it was a frustrating afternoon for Middlesbrough fans who watched their side perform well below their usual high standards.
However, as has often been the case since his arrival from Columbus Crew over the summer, Aidan Morris impressed on Saturday.
Morris, along with Hayden Hackney, dominated the midfield battle, chasing down every loose ball and preventing the Welsh outfit from creating much through the middle.
Despite his limited experience in England, the USA international is already proving a very shrewd bit of business for Boro, who appear to have found an ideal replacement for the injured and ageing Jonny Howson.
Isaiah Jones was frustrating to watch during Middlesbrough vs Cardiff City
Isaiah Jones shone as Middlesbrough beat Swansea on the opening weekend, winning the penalty that Emmanuel Latte Lath scored to win the game.
However, since August 10th, the winger has reverted back to his usually frustrating self.
Jones cost Boro three points against Derby with a sloppy backpass and he continued to struggle on Saturday.
The winger’s decision-making in the final third is tough to watch for Boro fans and if he carries on playing the way he is, Jones will likely lose his place on the right to Micah Hamilton or Ben Doak very soon.
Delano Burgzorg must improve after Cardiff vs Middlesbrough
The Emmanuel Latte Lath transfer saga that took place on Friday opened the door for Tommy Conway to start his first league game for Middlesbrough.
Instead of starting up front, however, Carrick put the 22-year-old out wide with Delano Burgzorg playing as a centre-forward.
The Dutchman occupied this role for Huddersfield Town last season but really struggled against Cardiff.
Like Jones, he lacked any real killer instinct for much of the game and must improve his passing if he is to play through the middle again.