4:56pm Saturday 21st March 2009
By Paul Fraser
Stoke City 0 Middlesbrough 0 HAVING heard that Portsmouth had claimed a crucial three points in the relegation fight moments before this match at the Britannia Stadium, Middlesbrough were all too aware of the need to record a similar total.
But while there were enough chances at both ends to win two matches, the same problems that have got Boro into the mess were apparent again – and they were made to pay.
With small chants of Southgate out ringing out of the away end, for the first time this season, there now looks no way back for Middlesbrough.
A change of formation, with Gareth Southgate switching to wing-back system that included three centre-backs, looked like it had worked until the dying stages, yet it still failed to have the desired effect at the other end.
By the time the final whistle arrived, Middlesbrough had created 11 chances – albeit just three of those were on target – but no goal was forthcoming.
And after Ryan Shawcross was allowed to cruise across the penalty area to glance in one of Rory Delap’s many long throws seven minutes from time, the Teessiders were made to pay – big time.
Even a point would have done little to improve Middlesbrough’s chances of staying in the Premier League for another season.
And this could well turn out to be another day when Southgate and company are left to reflect on what might have been.
Unlike last weekend when Marlon King finally found a way through to score Middlesbrough’s 21st league goal of a profligate season, this time around there was to be no late heroics.
There is every chance that Southgate will stick with the three centre-backs – Emanuel Pogatetz, Robert Huth and David Wheater – system that served reasonably well at Stoke for at least another match.
But one thing is for certain, it matters little what they do defensively if their attacking play is not going to earn its rewards.
With eight matches remaining, with three fixtures against Bolton, Hull and Fulham on the horizon, time is running out for Middlesbrough. Points are needed and needed fast.
Ideally nine of those points need to arrive from those matches. If they don’t, and even then it will be a big ask, Middlesbrough will be looking at the Championship.
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