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.