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LOOKING FOR ANOTHER RUN 13-2-07
Karl Watson
As the referee blew for full time at Stamford Bridge, Middlesbrough's superb unbeaten run came to a predictable end; however things were not easy for the reigning Premiership champions.
Middlesbrough began the game brightly, passing the ball well and creating a great chance for Australian hit man Mark Viduka. Many who watched the game were left with their head in their hands as a great chance went begging. I was puzzled why Viduka attempted to head the ball down and into the corner rather than launching a bullet header which surely would have evaded the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Our hearts skipped a beat when we realised Jonathan Woodgate would not be playing due to a tight hamstring he picked up playing for England last Wednesday and we duly missed our stand in captain. The defence looked somewhat suspect and particularly unorganised. Basics were not carried out; the ball was left bouncing around the penalty area rather than someone putting their size ten boot through the ball and half way into the Chelsea half.
To concede is always a blow, but to concede in stoppage time at the end of the first half was a bitter pill to swallow, especially because at least we deserved to go into the dressing room level pegging with the players' heads held high. This is a continuous problem for Middlesbrough; statistics show we are most vulnerable at the end of one half and the beginning of the next.
I don't believe the players' concentration strayed as it was a set piece that cut us open; however the failure to deal with the previous cross was embarrassing. Abel Xavier simply had to clear the ball and perhaps it would have been a different story. Drogba's goal was not superb and only if Mark Schwarzer had a greater sight of the ball then perhaps we would have been able to reach just a few more inches to his left and palm it around the post.
However it did appear only a matter of time before Chelsea opened the scoring but what was encouraging was how Chelsea scored two of their goals from set pieces and the other was a fortuitous own goal. It appears we are becoming hard to break down which means we have a good chance of defeating many sides away from home. Foundations must rely on the defence however a gutsy midfield does no harm.
What was evident on Saturday was a distinct absence of luck. Chelsea's second half goals highlighted this but it just stressed how it was not meant to be, but three nil more than flattered Chelsea.
Without Woodgate our defending was not superb but it is hard to analyse our defending when it came up against the team placed second in the division. Even with Woodgate, Chelsea - who boast superior class - perhaps would have scored anyway. The only way to have a good look at our defence without Woodgate would be against a team lower than fourth position. Hopefully we won't be analysing this soon because we will welcome Woodgate back with open arms, and the sooner the better.
I am not too happy to see Woodgate pull on the white of England and play over seventy minutes of International football. Playing for England requires a greater work rate and you are involved in play much more. I will openly say my loyalties lie completely with Middlesbrough and I would prefer to see Woodgate missing from the national squad so he can play week in week out for his hometown club.
Bearing in mind Woodgate does not train on a Monday and Tuesday at Middlesbrough surely he should have been taken off earlier and given a well needed rest. Putting too much strain on him will see him pick up yet another injury and it will be Middlesbrough that inevitably suffers.
Middlesbrough recorded a club record unbeaten run since the turn of the year and although it came to an end on Saturday it must be a positive that it ended on an away trip at Chelsea rather than a home game against a team fighting for their Premiership lives. The run has been terrific and the manager, the coaching and backroom staff, and the players should be giving themselves a pat on the back.
After the turmoil the club was in after eighteen games it is credit to everyone at the club that we have come through a very difficult period and we are able to look at gaining a place in the top half rather than staring at trips to Colchester and Plymouth next season. Yes the players must be happy with what they have done but the hard work does not end there. We have to go on from this brilliant run and lets try and set another.
If the backroom staff have their way this season is far from over, and one chance to set another record in is this year's FA Cup. The game against Bristol City will not be easy by any means and although their form has dipped since their home draw against the Teessiders, the players from Ashton Gate will be giving it their all and they will not make it easy for us.
Perhaps we will see Lee Dong-Gook for the first time in the red of Middlesbrough. The 'Lion King' has impressed many of his team mates in training but of course we all know games are not played on the training ground. I think it would represent a good test for Dong-Gook and a nice introduction to English football. City are not going to stand and admire him and it will give him a chance to take on players. Coaches will be able to watch his movement and passing, and he will be able to gain some first team match practice which is invaluable for his fitness.
If we are fortunate enough to come through tonight's game then it will be West Brom in the next round on Saturday and another winnable game. Despite the defeat to Chelsea on Saturday times are good on Teesside, much better than two months previous. We should look to enjoy our cup games before our attention is diverted to more serious matters when Reading travel to the Riverside a week Saturday where we will look for revenge for that opening day calamity.
TALK ABOUT IT IN THE NEW HOLGATE MESSAGE BOARD
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