MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):
5 Valdes: Didn’t have a chance with Holebas’ strike, but hesitated to come off his line on a number of occasions
3 Barragan: Should have been sent off when he pulled Success down – looked uncomfortable all game and had to be replaced
6 Chambers: Justified his inclusion ahead of Ayala with another strong display, and wasn’t troubled by the switch to right-back
7 GIBSON: The pick of Boro’s players as he dealt with Deeney’s attacking threat superbly – won everything that was aimed at him
6 Friend: Strong and accomplished in defence, and one of the few players who was looking to get on the front foot in attack
4 De Roon: Has been a major disappointment since joining for £12m – seems to slow everything down when he gets the ball
6 Forshaw: Not one of the midfielder’s better games, but at least he tried to be positive when he found himself in possession
4 Stuani: Still doesn’t look a natural fit on the right-hand side and never really tried to pull wide in order to deliver a cross
4 Ramirez: Hasn’t got going since the opening two games of the season and went to ground much too easily
5 Downing: Tends to retain possession effectively, but seemed reluctant to commit himself too far forward, perhaps under instruction
4 Negredo: An infuriating performance, although he continues to lack support – was outmuscled by Kaboul and Britos
Subs:
6 Traore (for Stuani, 69): Once again provided an attacking spark in the final 20 minutes – it is surely time to start him at Arsenal
5 Ayala (for Barragan, 69): Came into the heart of the back four and was solid enough, although Watford threatened on the break late on
Rhodes (for de Roon, 88)
(not used): Guzan (gk), Espinosa, Clayton, Fischer.
WATFORD (3-4-2-1):
Gomes 7; Britos 7 (Kabasele 84), Kaboul 6, Prodl 7; HOLEBAS 8, Behrami 6, Capoue 6, Pereyra 5; Amrabat 6 (Zuniga 71), Success 6 (Watson 88); Deeney 5.
Subs (not used): Pantilimon (gk), Mariappa, Guedioura, Ighalo.
Man Of The Match: JOSE HOLEBAS – The Watford midfielder produced the one moment of magic that settled an otherwise mundane encounter.
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