MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):
4 Randolph: Handed Vydra his hat-trick goal on a plate as his attempted clearance ballooned straight up in the air
6 Christie: One of Boro’s brighter lights as he tried to break forward down the right-hand side – linked up effectively with Downing
2 Ayala: A shambolic display that went from bad to worse as he followed up his penalty concession with a reckless red card
5 Gibson: Looked shaky in the second half, although Boro were at a numerical disadvantage by then – impressively honest after the game
5 Fabio: Made some useful breaks forward in the first half, but failed to find the target with an inviting headed opportunity
4 Clayton: Struggled to keep up with the pace of the game as he returned to the starting line-up after a six-game absence
5 Forshaw: Back in the starting line-up after a break and did okay for the most part, although tended to stay fairly deep
7 DOWNING: Boro’s most composed player by a distance as he used the ball well – delivered a series of dangerous set-pieces
5 Braithwaite: Looked sharp for most of the first half, but let himself down badly as his error led to Derby’s second goal
4 Johnson: Wasn’t able to reproduce the form he displayed against Birmingham – repeatedly wasted some decent positions
5 Assombalonga: Forced Carson into a superb early save, but failed to find the target with a decent headed opportunity
Subs:
6 Traore (for Johnson, 55): Provided an occasional spark with his direct running – might it be time to risk him from the start again?
5 Fry (for Braithwaite, 67): Was handed a thankless task as he came onto the field with Boro a man down and three goals behind
Bamford (for Downing, 79)
(not used): Konstantopoulos (gk), Friend, Leadbitter, Fletcher.
DERBY (4-2-3-1):
Carson 7; Baird 6, Keogh 6, Davies 7, Forsyth 6; Huddlestone 7, Ledley 7 (Russell 83); Weimann 6, VYDRA 9 (Thorne 66, 5), Lawrence 8; Nugent 8 (Martin 66, 5).
Subs (not used): Mitchell (gk), Wisdom, Pearce, Olsson.
Man Of The Match: MATEJ VYDRA – Gary Rowett thinks he is the ‘best number ten in the Championship’ – and on this evidence, it’s hard to disagree.
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