How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-1 win over Swansea?
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):
6 Bettinelli: Made a fine first-half save from Lowe and another crucial stop after the break, but almost handed Swansea a goal with an air kick
8 McNair: Was excellent defensively on the right of a back three and produced a superb pass for Watmore’s second goal
8 Fry: Did superbly against Swansea’s forwards all evening, winning a succession of headers and making some important blocks
8 Bola: Was a revelation once again as he stepped seamlessly into a central-defensive role – Boro’s most improved player this season
7 Spence: Did well as a wing-back early on, and then helped tighten things up when he moved into a more orthodox full-back role
7 Morsy: Justified his recall to the side with an effective midfield display – forced Woodman into a fine save at the end of the first half
7 Howson: Produced a characteristically influential display, winning tackles and keeping his team on the front foot
7 Tavernier: Covered a lot of ground as he pushed on to support Boro’s forwards and produced some neat passes
7 Johnson: Sent Watmore away for his first goal with an excellent ball down the line and was always a threat going forward
8 WATMORE: Will not want to forget this night for a while as he claimed the first two goals of his Boro career in a fine display
6 Akpom: Battled away gamely, even if he rarely looked like fashioning a goalscoring opportunity of his own
Subs:
5 Saville (for Watmore, 68): Helped Boro retain control of the central area as Swansea pushed for an equaliser late on
Coulson (for Johnson, 79)
Wing (for Morsy, 79)
(not used): Stojanovic (gk), Wood, Jones, Roberts, Folarin, Assombalonga.
SWANSEA (3-5-2):
Woodman 6; Guehi 6, Bennett 5, Cabango 4 (Routledge 46, 5); ROBERTS 6, Palmer 6 (Dhanda 65, 6), Fulton 5 (Gyokeres 46, 4), Smith 6 (Garrick 81), Manning 5; Lowe 5 (Grimes 46, 4), Ayew 5.
Subs (not used): Naughton, Bidwell, Cullen, Benda.
Man Of The Match: DUNCAN WATMORE – If he keeps playing like this, there is no way Boro will allow him to leave in the middle of January.
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