How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's goalless draw at Stoke?
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-5-1):
6 Randolph: More or less a watching brief for the Republic of Ireland international, who had only one save to make in 90 minutes
7 Fry: Asked to switch to right-back in a reshaped four-man back line, and took to his task well to frustrate Berahino
8 BATTH: Three vital blocks were key to ensuring Boro’s point - the early challenge to deny Afobe was brave, his move to prevent Berahino scoring was perfectly timed
7 Flint: A commanding presence in the air and on the ground, winning most of his duels to ensure Randolph was well protected
6 Friend: Unable to contribute as much to the attack as he would have liked, and had a tough time defending against Stoke’s attacking right-back Edwards in the first half
6 Downing: Willing to do his fair share of defensive work, and had Boro’s best first-half effort, which Butland saved. Did not look happy at being substituted
7 Besic: Only six of his 54 passes went astray, which shows how careful he was in possession, and he almost set up a winner for Hugill
6 Howson: Did not offer enough forward movement, meaning Hugill was too often left isolated, although there was plenty of effort
7 Clayton: Felt a sense of injustice at being booked for a somewhat loose first-half challenge, but produced a strong midfield performance otherwise
6 Braithwaite: A threat in the first half, testing Butland with one bending shot, but then faded and was replaced as Pulis tried to add threat
5 Hugill: Criticised by his manager for going to ground too easily in an attempt to win free-kicks, and looked a shadow of the forward who shone for Preston
Subs:
6 Tavernier (for Braithwaite, 65): His pace on the break proved dangerous as Boro chased a late winner, although there was no end product to match
Wing (for Downing, 73)
(not used): Lonergan (gk), McNair, Saville, Gestede, Assombalonga.
STOKE CITY (4-3-3):
BUTLAND 7; Edwards 6, Shawcross 5, Williams 6, Martins Indi 6; Woods 6, Allen 6, Etebo 5 (Bojan 81); Ince 6, Afobe 6 (Crouch 81), Berahino 6 (McClean 81).
Subs (not used): Federici (gk), Martina, Fletcher, Clucas.
Man of the match: DANNY BATTH - An outsider would never have guessed this was his first league start for Boro, as the centre-back looked thoroughly at home filling in for the suspended Daniel Ayala.
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