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A CHANCE TO BEAT THE CHAMPIONS 8-2-07
Karl Watson
So the transfer window came and went with just one arrival at the Riverside. Which meant we all thought that was that until the end of the season, but around 8.30 on Monday night we we're treated to the news that we're one step closer to the permanent return of home-town lad Jonno Woodgate.
Its fantastic news as we've all witnessed his impact on the team, and it has been nothing short of incredible. If we can tie up the deal then it's a massive coup for the club. Many would've been satisfied with a season long loan, and would've accepted the fact he would move on. However now it seems he may be staying on Teesside.
I approach this subject so tentatively because a deal is never done until the ink is dry on the contract. The quotes coming out of Madrid are very encouraging however. They seem to have made it clear he isn't wanted at Real anymore and this paves the way for our first option agreement to kick in. If you ask me the deal is still 50/50 at the minute, simply because we've yet to hear from Jonno himself on the matter, and ultimately he will have the final say in where he plays next season.
On the pitch the team's doing enough at present to convince Woody that his class would be best used at the Riverside. Many might have expected our unbeaten '07 to come to an end against Arsenal - they were wrong. Pundits and 'experts' alike have procrastinated over the Yakubu penalty and the dismissal on Senderos, but I'm not going to. The referee awarded it, and the Yak duly dispatched it, so why harp on for the next week?
It was a disappointment in the end to not come away with three points. Woody had Mr Henry in his back pocket for most of the ninety and only when we were caught out on the counter attack (again) did Henry manage to get the equaliser. We didn't create as many chances as we should have done. It seems we were trying to replicate Arsenal's style by avoiding shooting until the move took us six yards from goal.
Our tactics were quite clear - pass the ball around the midfield, retain possession for as long a period as possible then ping the ball to Dukes' feet and let him do the work. Although he could've created more, he looked dangerous on the ball and his touch was first class. He was unlucky not to have scored when Lehman tipped his shot on the turn around the post.
So our steady progress continues, but we face some difficult away games in the next six weeks. But our home ties are all winnable, and will be our main source of points. How we fare in the away games will determine whether we have a mid-table finish or whether we can sneak into a UEFA Cup place.
As far as Chelsea is concerned, well Gareth may look to play one up front in Yakubu and bulk up the midfield as the game will be won or lost in this area. We need to stop Chelsea getting a foothold, and the fitness of Lee Cattermole is a big factor in how the game goes. The team is almost certain to change; I just hope Gareth can get the right combination of defence and attack.
If we can keep the game within reach by half-time, and not let Chelsea get into a rhythm, then the flashbacks of the Riverside will start to creep up on the Champions. Then queue the introduction of the Duke.
If we do happen to get battered, then we have the perfect chance to show bounce-back-ability. Bristol City visit the Riverside looking to end our only chance of silverware. We have a serious chance of progression in this tournament, so we must show our professionalism and hold onto to any lead this time around.
It could be a fantastic week for Boro fans, Woody starting for England, a chance to beat the Champions and then marching on in the FA Cup. Overly optimistic? Only time will tell.
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