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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here