Goals:
0-1: Bamford (53, chased down a loose ball to help Fernando’s attempt to clear over the line after Adomah had forced a weak back pass beyond Caballero)
0-2: Kike (90, latched on to Bamford’s clever pass before applying the fine low finish)
Bookings: Ayala (49, foul); Kompany (51, foul); Fernandinho (71, foul); Whitehead (71, foul)
Referee: Phil Dowd (Stoke) – could easily have given City a few penalties so Middlesbrough fans were happier with his decision making than the home support. 6
Attendance: 44, 836
Entertainment: PPPPP
City Boro
Shots on 8 6
Shots off 16 8
Corners 11 2
Offsides 1 1
Fouls 7 14
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Caballero 4; Zabaleta 6, Kompany 5, Boyata 5, Kolarov 6; Fernando 3 (Dzeko 79), MILNER 6; Navas 5 (Lampard 67, 6), Silva 6, Jovetic 4 (Fernandinho 67, 5); Aguero 4. Subs: Hart (gk), Demichelis, Sagna, Clichy.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):
8 Mejias: Made a string of first half saves to lay the foundations for the impressive victory;
8 Whitehead: Slotted in at right-back and made a number of good interceptions
9 Ayala: Had a few shaky first half moments but was immense after the restart despite picking up a fifth booking of the season
9 Gibson: Turned in a display of passion and quality to frustrate Aguero and Co
8 Friend: Seemed to have everyone attacking his flank in the first half but coped and grew in stature as minutes ticked by;
8 Leadbitter: Led by example in the middle and did his best to get Boro going in both directions
7 Clayton: Strong in the tackle and kept digging in throughout to help out the Boro backline when required;
8 Bamford: Showed the desire and intent throughout and got his reward with the opening goal
9 TOMLIN: Caused problems for City throughout and came close to scoring one of the FA Cup goals of the season;
8 Adomah: Instrumental in Bamford’s goal and should have scored a goal himself after that;
7 Vossen: Had a hand in the opener and saw a volley stopped by Caballero in the second half
Subs:
Reach (for Tomlin 81)
Kike (for Vossen 87)
Wildschut (for Bamford 90)
(not used): Ripley (gk), Husband, Omeruo, Woodgate.
MAN OF THE MATCH: LEE Tomlin – on a day of so many Boro match-winners, the former Peterborough man showed he possesses Premier League quality.
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