Certainly Aitor Karanka will be hoping that the point that his team won at Arsenal is a sign that Boro are starting to get to grips with the Premier League. It may have surprised many that Middlesbrough could go to the Emirates and get a result like that, but it has been at home where they can look to for the reason why they don't sit higher than 17th in the table.
Adama Traore was the man that impressed the most in midfield as Middlesbrough came close to taking all three points at Arsenal. But more impressive for me was how organised the team was as a whole. They set up to hit Arsenal on the break and very nearly caused them a serious problem and an away win would not have been a fluke. Karanka called his player's performance at the Emirates "amazing" and that suggests that they will be boosted by the result.
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The main factor which Aitor Karanka still has to rectify is the goalscoring. Middlesbrough managed 4 shots on target against Arsenal but Alvaro Negredo still looks short of his best, while Nugent, Downing and Rhodes look like extras that have not been invited to the party. Against Bournemouth Karanka is likely to play two up front and that may also be pleasing for Eddie Howe to see if it creates more space in midfield.
Middlesbrough might have struggled at home but they only lost 1-2 to Spurs and Crystal Palace at home so expect a tight contest. A draw looks a strong possibility, but the Cherries must look to put as much distance as they can between teams like Middlesbrough and themselves if they want to avoid a difficult season.
Junior Stanislas faces a late fitness test for AFCB and Jack Wilshere has tweeted that he has lost some loved ones this week which may mean he opts out of the squad. Andrew Surman is expected back in AFCB's starting 11. A score draw perhaps this weekend?
Middlesbrough Home Form
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AFCB Away Form
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| Middlesbrough were well beaten last time they played AFCB in the Championship. |
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Middlesbrough might have struggled at home but they only lost 1-2 to Spurs and Crystal Palace at home so expect a tight contest. A draw looks a strong possibility, but the Cherries must look to put as much distance as they can between teams like Middlesbrough and themselves if they want to avoid a difficult season.
Junior Stanislas faces a late fitness test for AFCB and Jack Wilshere has tweeted that he has lost some loved ones this week which may mean he opts out of the squad. Andrew Surman is expected back in AFCB's starting 11. A score draw perhaps this weekend?
Middlesbrough Home Form
DLLL
AFCB Away Form
LDLD
Good article, but a couple of things don't look right. Adama Traore is a winger. Boro very rarely play with two up front and when they have it's been with Rhodes and Fischer in a 4-4-1-1. Downing has started pretty much every game this season so has definitely been invited to the party.
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