How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 3-0 win over Derby?
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):
7 Bettinelli: Made a good save from Sibley in the second half, but didn’t have a lot to do such was the extent of Boro’s dominance
7 Dijksteel: Another impressive display from the defender, who looks as comfortable at full-back as he does as part of a back three
8 FRY: Marked Waghorn out of the game in the first half, and was every bit as effective after the break, winning everything in the air
8 McNair: Continues to play at the very peak of his form – was always in the right place and used the ball productively when he had it
7 Bola: Maintained the strong form he has displayed all season – got forward on occasion and was always rock-solid in defence
7 Howson: Shut out Derby’s midfielders from his position in front of the back four and helped contain Rooney when the Rams skipper moved into attack
8 Saville: Was on the front foot throughout and came close with two good efforts in the second half
7 Tavernier: Helped set up an early chance for Assombalonga and fired a decent second-half effort just past the post
6 Roberts: Produced some flickers of excitement in the first half, but tired noticeably before he was taken off
7 Watmore: Will have enjoyed his Boro debut immensely – set up Assombalonga’s opener with a neat cushioned header
8 Assombalonga: Proved his predatory instincts remain intact with the opening goal and was a threat throughout the opening hour or so
Subs:
7 Spence (for Roberts, 63): Added some real drive and energy down the right and set up two good opportunities for Saville
8 Johnson (for Watmore, 63): Scored one goal and set up another as he made a huge impression in his half-hour on the field
Akpom (for Assombalonga, 72)
Wing (for Tavernier, 85)
(not used): Stojanovic (gk), Wood, Coulson, Folarin.
DERBY (4-2-3-1):
MARSHALL 7; Byrne 4, Wisdom 4, Clarke 5, Buchanan 4 (Holmes 69, 4); Rooney 6, Bird 4; Knight 4, Lawrence 5 (Whittaker 74), Jozwiak 5 (Kazim-Richards 69, 4); Waghorn 4 (Sibley 46, 6).
Subs (not used): Stretton (gk), Shinnie, Roos, Evans, Davies.
Man Of The Match: DAEL FRY – The Middlesbrough centre-half dealt with everything that came his way and ensured his side’s defence never looked like being breached.
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