How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 1-0 home win over Charlton Athletic?
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):
7 Pears: Was a spectator for 89 minutes, but made a crucial save when finally called upon in the closing stages
8 Howson: Produced a superb display in a role that would not have come naturally to him – his versatility knows no bounds
7 Ayala: Marshalled the backline excellently from the heart of the back three – his experience in such a young side is vital
7 Fry: Looked assured throughout and helped shackle the dangerous Taylor after the Charlton striker came on at half-time
8 Spence: Could not have wished for a better league debut – rock solid in defence and purposeful and energetic in the Charlton half
7 Saville: Opened his account for the season with a composed first-minute finish and got forward effectively throughout
8 Clayton: Performed a crucial defensive-midfield role as he made his first start for more than two months
7 Tavernier: Displayed commendable maturity as he sought possession and dictated Boro’s attacking in the second half
8 COULSON: Sparked a succession of Boro attacks as he poured forward down the left-hand side – always looked to get the ball into the box
7 Fletcher: Tied up two Charlton defenders as he battled away enthusiastically – assumed a leadership role in the closing stages
6 Assombalonga: Spurned a couple of decent chances before he was forced off after a cynical foul from Pratley
Subs:
5 Walker (for Assombalonga, 63): Got into some great positions late on, but wasted them with some poor decision-making
(not used): Mejias (gk), Wood, Bola, Malley, Liddle, O’Neill.
CHARLTON (4-4-2):
Phillips 6; Matthews 5, Oshilaja 6, Pearce 5, Purrington 4 (Morgan 46, 5); GALLAGHER 6, Pratley 5, Ledley 4 (Taylor 46, 5), Doughty 4; Leko 4, Bonne 4.
Subs (not used): Maynard-Brewer (gk), Solly, Sarr, Davison, Vennings.
Man Of The Match: HAYDEN COULSON – Djed Spence impressed on his debut, but Coulson just shaded him as he excelled on the opposite flank.
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