After what felt like ‘a must win’ game against Southampton, and a clinically efficient display against Bradford City in the cup, Middlesbrough fans can look ahead with optimism again.
The cynics will say, ‘it is only one win out of eight in the league’, and ‘it was only Bradford; a League two team’. That-whilst factual to a point-does not quite tell the whole story though.
Back-to-back wins were recorded for the first time this season on Tuesday night, as Boro reached the last sixteen of the Carabao Cup, with a clean sheet to boot.
The way in which head coach Michael Carrick has calmly reiterated his wholehearted support for his players during a very difficult spell, is beginning to pay dividends. The results have not been there, that is undeniable, but he has been steadfast in his positive appraisal of his team’s efforts.
He knew that if he kept showing that he believed in them, they would eventually show their quality.
Breakthrough for Boro
Even the most experienced of coaches may have lost their composure or belief during a winless streak that stretched to seven league games, but not Carrick. That level-headed and steady approach has cascaded down to his players and they look a different proposition entirely now that they have had a breakthrough in terms of results.
Boro brought in 12 new players during a busy summer transfer window, with many of them given their chance to show their worth in the early Championship games. Results did not go as planned, more through individual errors and poor decision-making as opposed to being totally outclassed.
That decision to start so many new arrivals can be criticised, but how else can a head coach/manager assess their ability in a competitive game situation? The calculated re-introduction of players who have Championship experience in the game against Southampton was a shrewd one from head coach Carrick.
He took the heat away from those who were beginning to suffer continuous criticism. It paid off as Boro got their first league win.
Players like Isaiah Jones, Riley McGree, Matt Crooks, and Jonny Howson all offered some stability to the side, but rest assured, the new recruits who are still trying to make their mark will still be developed and coached and will be fully expected to play their part this season.
Carrick’s continued support
When the chips were down, Carrick continued to show all of his players unerring support, he never once used them as a scapegoat, instead shouldering the responsibility himself when results didn’t go our way.
The reward for that loyalty is that after a couple of wins, his troops have quickly regained that swagger and confidence. Players like Hayden Hackney and Dan Barlaser played like they were so at home in what could have been a tricky cup match.
Add to that the goals scored by Morgan Rogers and Emannuel Latte Lath, which will give them a boost in confidence, the game time for Tom Glover and Sami Silvera and it starts to look like a very productive week for Boro.
If the form of Isaiah Jones, Riley McGree and Hayden Hackney in particular continues, some of the new arrivals could have a more comfortable environment in which to flourish. The emergence of Josh Coburn as a very credible number nine option was also a big plus point against Southampton. It was a big call form Carrick to start him.
Michael Carrick is getting the big calls right, it would come as no surprise at all to see the club go on a run now and squeeze that gap that separates them from the teams at the top end of the division, but the focus of the players needs to be maintained, as does that impressive first-half intensity shown in the win against the Saints.