Middlesbrough 0 City 0
Report by Colin Murrant
..and to be honest that just about says it all in what was probably the most uneventful match I have ever witnessed.
When the team selection was announced there were a few surprises with Ulloa, Okazaki, King, Fuchs, and Mendy all changes from the impressive performance against West Ham. A lot of discussion ensued amongst fans as to what formation City would play: it appeared to be 4-3-1-2 with Ulloa and Mahrez playing up front and Okazaki playing just behind them. This meant that the midfield was very narrow and it was noticeable during the game how many times Ulloa received the ball but had to wait for support to widen the play.
On a very cold afternoon there was a full city contingent in a good-sized crowd and throughout the game there was relatively good humour between the two sets of fans exemplified by the Boro’ supporters applauding City fans after their rendition of “Champions of England, we know who we are”.
City had the better of the early exchanges without threatening Guzan and although Boro’ came more into the game the same was true of the threat to Schmeichel’s goal. Traore was proving a handful with his pace although his final delivery was wasteful and as the game went on Fuchs managed the winger’s threat with increasing comfort.
This match was all about endeavour and really there is little to report with the best chance for City being a header straight down Guzan’s throat and for Boro’ a wild shot from Ramirez following a poor header from Morgan seven minutes from the end.
In spite of the dull match there were some positives for City not least being another clean sheet and another away point.
The back four looked solid and Schmeichel and Huth’s return have been significant in this respect. Amartey looks an improving player every time I see him and made a nice gesture by giving his shirt to a fan at the end of the game.
The big bonus though was the long overdue return of Napy Mendy. His display in midfield was very encouraging given his long layoff and isolated appearances. He showed ability in ball winning and passing and exhibited leadership qualities in shouting out instructions to his colleagues.
One other thing of note, Robert Madley refereed the game well, not being sucked into awarding fee kicks from some Boro’ amateur dramatics, Ramirez particularly culpable: City avoiding any bookings.
Whilst Slimani, Mahrez, Amartey and Schlupp (editor subsequent note, Schlupp not selected by Ghana) head south for the African Cup of Nations, City’s recent improved form continues and suddenly a 6-point gap has appeared below City and the relegation zone.
The season long problem in midfield may be about to improve with the prospect of the arrival of Wilfred Ndidi and the development of Mendy to support Drinkwater.
So out of the gloom of a disappointing match springs hope for improved fortune in 2017, Happy New Year
Middlesbrough: Guzan, Fabio, Gibson (c), Clayton, Negredo, De Roon, Barragan (Friend 34), Ramirez, Chambers, Forshaw (Leadbitter 89), Traore (Downing 80).
SUBS NOT USED: Konstantopoulos, Bernardo, Rhodes, Stuani
CITY: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan (c), Huth, Fuchs, Mendy (Albrighton 83), Amartey, King, Mahrez (Musa 71), Okazaki (Gray 74), Ulloa.
SUBS NOT USED: Zieler, Chilwell, Hernández, Wasilewski
ATTENDANCE: 32,437 REFEREE: Robert Madley
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation