AFTER the euphoria of August’s successful return to the top-flight, reality has quickly begun to bite for Middlesbrough.

Aitor Karanka’s side have failed to win any of their last six matches, and are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference as they prepare to head to Arsenal this weekend.

The trip to the Emirates starts a daunting five-match run that will also feature games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Leicester, and with his side having failed to threaten the Watford goal during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at the Riverside, Karanka is coming under pressure to turn things around.

What should the Spaniard do to engineer an improvement? And what tactical changes might be required ahead of Saturday’s trip to North London?


MORE OF THE SAME

The Northern Echo:

Karanka has repeatedly insisted that Boro cannot afford to dismiss the approach that got them into the Premier League in the first place. With that in mind, a radical tactical restructuring is unlikely, even if last weekend’s performance suggested the Teessiders are stuck in something of a rut.

In fairness to Karanka, Boro have not been ripped apart in any of their matches this season. It can be argued that Saturday’s game is their toughest test by a distance, but solidity is not to be sniffed at and Karanka’s side have been reasonably resolute so far.

A lack of creativity is more of a problem, but Karanka can argue his side’s struggles in front of goal are more about players being out of form than any deficiencies in terms of tactics or formation.

It would be foolish to be too exposed against a side with the attacking capabilities of Arsenal, and if Boro are to spring a surprise at the Emirates, it could be imperative that they keep things tight in the early stages.


SACRIFICE A HOLDING MIDFIELDER

The Northern Echo:

On the evidence of Arsenal’s matches this season, it could be argued that attack is the best form of defence against Arsene Wenger’s side. Swansea took the game to the Gunners last weekend, and were unfortunate to eventually lose 3-2.

If Boro sit back meekly and try to play for a goalless draw, there is every chance they will come unstuck at some stage. Might it better instead to release at least some of the shackles?

The easiest way to adopt a slightly more positive approach would be to abandon the policy of playing with two defensive midfielders or, as is more likely, to instruct one of them to play in a more attacking position.

Adam Forshaw’s energy and mobility mean he is perfectly capable of playing closer to Gaston Ramirez in the ‘number ten ‘position than to de Roon or Adam Clayton who is playing behind him. Should he be encouraged to threaten the Arsenal box at the weekend?


PUSH BORO’S WIDE PLAYERS FURTHER UP THE FIELD

The Northern Echo:

Swansea got plenty of joy last weekend from targeting Arsenal’s full-backs in order to deliver crosses from the wide positions. Modou Barrow caused Nacho Monreal a host of problems, with Wayne Routledge also enjoying some success on the opposite flank.

Boro’s wide players do not play as natural wingers. Stewart Downing spends a large amount of his time tracking back to protect George Friend, while Cristhian Stuani tends to want to constantly cut inside from the right-hand side.

Might it be better to adopt a more positive approach on Saturday? Downing could be freed from at least some of his defensive duties in order to target Hector Bellerin and look to provide crosses from the left.

Or in an even more adventurous move, Adama Traore could be handed a first Boro start with strict instructions to isolate Monreal in a one-on-one battle.


PLAY TWO STRIKERS

The Northern Echo:

This would be the nuclear option. Karanka has been encouraged to play two strikers for the majority of his time on Teesside, although to be fair to the Spaniard, there are precious few teams willing to line up at Arsenal with two out-and-out forwards up front.

Pairing Alvaro Negredo and Jordan Rhodes at the Emirates would be a potentially suicidal move, particularly as neither striker is particularly mobile or adept at tracking back.

Instead, though, Karanka could play Stuani as a second striker and adapt his formation slightly so the Uruguayan is more of an attacker than a ‘number ten’ playing in the hole. If nothing else, at least it would guarantee Negredo or Rhodes some much-needed support.

At the very least, it is surely time for Karanka to be more pro-active when it comes to changing things if the game is not going to plan. Last weekend, Rhodes was given just two minutes in which to attempt to claim an equaliser.


SWITCH TO FIVE AT THE BACK

The Northern Echo:

It can be argued that playing three centre-halves would be a negative move. With Calum Chambers unavailable because of the conditions of his loan deal, Karanka could play Ben Gibson, Daniel Ayala and Antonio Barragan at the heart of his defence, and would probably be criticised for doing so.

However, if he was to select all three players as central defenders, he could line up with George Friend and Emilio Nsue as wing-backs.

Both players look well-suited to the role, and if they were to line up as part of a back five, they might be able to provide some of the natural width that Boro have lacked in recent matches.

The Teessiders would still be fairly solid, with two holding midfielders playing in front of three centre-halves, but at least they would have some energy on the flanks and their attacking midfielders would not have to spend too much time tracking back.