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Football News: Middlesbrough Premier League season so far

Middlesbrough Premier League season so far
Image from: zimbio.com

Results so far:

H v Stoke City 1-1
A v Sunderland 2-1
A v West Bromwich Albion 0-0
H v Crystal Palace 1-2
A v Everton 1-3
H v Tottenham Hotspur 1-2
A v West Ham United 1-1
H v Watford 0-1
A v Arsenal 0-0
H v Bournemouth 2-0
A v Manchester City 1-1

It is hard to believe Middlesbrough are so close to the relegation zone, when you consider some of the great results they have already picked up this season. It seems that they have been riding the crest of a wave in the media, but the reality is that they are still deep in a relegation battle, despite their expensive summer acquisitions. Aitor Karanka has been backed to the hilt by Boro owner Steve Gibson, just like all the previous managers he has had.

The feeling is reminiscent of the days the Teeside team were flying high under Bryan Robson, with signings such as Fabrizio Ravanelli making Boro a force to be reckoned with. Karanka's football is much more pragmatic than Robson's game was, more closely resembling that of his mentor Jose Mourinho than the more expansive football Robson tried to play. That could well be an issue as the season goes on, as the draws are not really helping the club stay out of trouble.

 

Karanka will have to find a way to turn the draws into wins, as it is the three points that are needed, not one. A famous result, such as the 1-1 draw with Man City, in Manchester is useless if they fail to pick up the wins they need elsewhere. They need the players to be up for every match in the season if they are to survive, not just when they play the big boys. Which, of course, is the big difficulty all the new boys face.

With the top level experience of the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Stewart Downing, Boro should be in a good place to keep themselves going, even in tough times. One thing is for sure, the chairman is amongst, if not the, best in the Premier League, he will back his manager and show patience, as he already has done, if results are not coming. That is probably the club's biggest strength, the stability that comes from the top.

Written by Tris Burke November 14 2016 17:31:48