How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's FA Cup third-round draw with Tottenham?


MIDDLESBROUGH (5-4-1):

8 Mejias: Made two superb second-half saves to deny Lamela and Moura as he revelled on his second Boro ‘debut’

6 Spence: Had to temper his natural attacking instincts as he dropped back to keep things tight as part of a back five

8 Howson: Continue to be an absolute revelation as a centre-half – made a succession of crucial interceptions against world-class opposition

9 McNAIR: Switched to a sweeper role at the heart of Boro’s five-man defence and oozed class and composure throughout

8 Fry: Defended superbly as the left of the three centre-halves and came close with a first-half header that Gazzaniga saved

6 Coulson: Another player who had to keep his attacking instincts in check – shored things up well on the left of Boro’s defence

6 Roberts: Showed signs of real promise on his debut although his lack of match sharpness means he will tackle a while to fully settle

6 Clayton: Formed a valuable defensive shield in front of the back five and was always well positioned to snuff out danger

7 Saville: The last month has been his best spell in a Boro shirt – battled away gamely to neuter Spurs’ threat

6 Tavernier: Didn’t have many opportunities to get on the front foot, but carried a threat whenever he broke forward

7 Fletcher: Continued his prolific recent spell with an accomplished finish – now boasts four goals in his last five games


Subs:

6 Johnson (for Coulson, 67): Added some legs and energy in the final stages as he slotted in at left wing-back

6 Gestede (for Roberts, 69): Wasn’t a factor in the final third, but won a couple of important defensive headers late on

Nmecha (for Fletcher, 75)

(not used): Brynn (gk), Wood, Liddle, Wing.


TOTTENHAM (5-3-2):

Gazzaniga 6; Aurier 6, Dier 6, Alderweireld 6, Vertonghen 6, Sessegnon 5 (Lo Celso 56, 7); Eriksen 6, Winks 4 (Lamela 56, 6), Alli 6; LUCAS 7, Son 5.

Subs (not used): Vorm (gk), Sanchez, Tanganga, Parrott, Skipp.


Man Of The Match: PADDY McNAIR – Middlesbrough’s stand-in sweeper impressed throughout as he combined composure with commitment.