|
|
MIDDLESBROUGH v FULHAM ANALYSIS AND PLAYER RATINGS 15-5-07
Udayan Mukherjee
Welcome to the final Udayan Mukherjee column of a season which frustrated and delighted in various measures. Middlesbrough finished within their usual finishing position in the league, which is to say that we were an also ran. So far, so boring.
A new dawn at the club was met with much trepidation with the absence of a manager with a proven track record to replace a manager who had presided over arguably the most successful era in the club's history. A manager of the likes of Martin O'Neill or Terry Venables failed to materialise and instead the club appointed Gareth Southgate, a job that Steve Gibson has subsequently described as a 'poisoned chalice'.
That Southgate had no qualifications and was in no way prepared for a management job meant that the season would be a learning curve for both Gareth Southgate and Middlesbrough Football Club.
In the event, the season started badly, but from Christmas Southgate seemed to get the hang of this management malarkey and made the Boro into a reasonably decent outfit playing attacking football of some verve and panache.
Although it seemed that we were looking over our shoulders for the majority of the season, we were always safe from any kind of tangible fear of relegation - the teams below us were surely just too poor to sustain any kind of major comeback.
At home, although far from being 'Fortress Riverside', Middlesbrough managed a respectable ten wins giving us a points total that basically kept us up. However, at times the performances at the Riverside were poor: see the capitulation that lead to a 4-0 reverse by Porstmouth. The absence of Jonathan Woodgate in early games such as the Porstmouth game led to abject defensive performances, something that shows the importance of tying up his signature.
Although a lot of the initial talk about Woodgate was his previous track record of trouble making and a poor injury record, his performances have been superb. He is calm and collected - the yard of pace that he may have lost because of the injuries would have dented the ability of lesser players. With Woodgate it is inconsequential because he is very rarely less than two yards ahead of the play because of his positional sense and agility of mind.
His defensive partnership with Pogatetz was by all accounts supposed to be a stop gap before Robert Huth or Chris Riggot would take his place - surely Poggy would let the red mist infect him and lead to him running around like a headless chicken like he did last season. It was not to happen; Emmanuel Pogatetz upped his game at centre half to become such a dominant force that he won player of the season from the Middlesbrough supporters: there can be no higher accolade for his achievements.
The situation with the Middlesbrough full-backs is one that will have to be addressed over summer with the likes of Xavier and Parnaby leaving the club. At left back Andrew Taylor numbed the pain of fans favourite Franck Queudrue leaving the club. Indeed he made the position his own with a number of very mature and talented performances.
His ability was not in question from his stint in the first team last season. That he has been able to sustain the performances for most of the season was surprising and refreshing. However, there must be cover for the youngster - Emmanuel Pogatetz and Julio Arca have shown that they are not much good in said position, with the former in particular being a bit of a liability.
Away from home, our form has been nothing short of abysmal, with the only wins coming at Wigan and Charlton; two teams that were either lucky to escape relegation or were relegated. With the performances at home being so much better, the phenomenon of posing away from home must be addressed - its not as if it hasn't happened in previous seasons as well. Indeed it seems that Middlesbrough will always be good at certain aspects of their game, while other aspects are woefully under par. When the aspects that needed addressing are addressed, the previously impressive aspects seem to become worse.
The inability of Middlesbrough to win away may be placed at the feet of the midfield. While they do not necessarily lack ability, they have at times lacked the ability to take the game to an opponent due to a simple lack of passing ability. George Boateng in particular has been guilty of being unable to pass the simple ball and this may be due to a simple lack of concentration.
The overriding feeling is that he is uncomfortable on the ball, and while he was physically in top shape he was able to drive Middlesbrough forward, but as he is getting older his role at the club has become slightly redundant. If he is not in 'indestructible' mode, then his lack of passing ability causes the forward play to stagnate.
Indeed, were it not for the introduction of Julio Arca to the centre of midfield, the comfortable position that Middlesbrough found themselves in at the end of the season could have been a pipe dream. Arca, and Rochemback in the latter stages of the season, showed that perhaps the need for an out and out holding midfielder is negated. Being able to hold on to the ball and make astute passes is often as important a defensive measure as being able to launch into thundering tackles.
Of course it helps that both of these players have a 'background' in defensive play - Arca as a fullback and Rochemback as a defensive midfielder of sorts. Perhaps the potential for these two as a central midfield partnership with George Boateng and Lee Cattermole pushing for places will allow Southgate to concentrate on other problem positions, such as the right side of midfield.
Various options have been tried out on the right side of midfield with varying degree of success, with the combination of Adam Johnson and Stewart Downing being arguably the most effective. There is a glaring need for someone to complement Stewart Downing if Middlesbrough are to be a driving force in the league next season.
It is also imperative for Middlesbrough to buy a centre forward that is both a proven goal scorer and one who can provide an effective aerial presence. Neither Mark Viduka nor Yakubu can be deemed to be effective in this sense, particularly the latter. In the event of Viduka leaving, the greater part of twenty goals a season and several assists are removed from the Boro armoury and then we will be in trouble.
Ideally a goal scorer can be signed, while persuading Viduka to stay. It is evident from this season's showing that without the big Australian, our attack is seriously depleted, especially with Yakubu blowing hot and cold.
Unfortunately, even with an extra influx of television money, it is going to be difficult to truly improve on this season's league placing. Several teams have attained foreign investment in time for the coming season and it is evident that money means better players. Teams like West Ham and Manchester City, teams that are surely poorer than us at present will make improvements in their squad with the lure of big cities and filthy lucre; something that I am unsure Middlesbrough can offer. The trick is for Middlesbrough to buy astutely and in problem positions. Hoefully then we can push on next season and achieve a return to the UEFA cup, a competition that gave us so much joy.
The final game of the season was one of little importance, but in front of a healthy Riverside crowd of just under 30,000, Boro produced one of their most impressive performances. It ended 3-1, but it could have been six. Aside from an early sitter missed by McBride, it was pretty much all one way traffic. Chance after chance fell Boro's way but it was to be the 33rd minute before the scoring was opened.
It was that man Viduka again who twisted and turned in the box with all nimbleness of a ballerina despite his huge frame. When his right footed drive rattled home, the Riverside erupted in applause. Viduka acknowledged the praise as chants of 'Sign him on!' and 'Mark Viduka' rang around the ground.
It was no more than Boro had deserved with chances galore. Julio Arca, Lee Dong Gook and Stewart Downing were particularly guilty of squandering golden opportunities, but no-one was too harsh on them - they were playing superbly. It was a complete surprise then that Fulham equalised.
A long punt was not dealt with by the Middlesbrough defence with David Wheater touching it into a dangerous area. Simon Davies pounced on the mistake by the Middlesbrough defender and rifled the ball home. It was unexpected to say the least. Undeterred, Boro came forward and a Rochemback corner found David Wheater in the perfect position to send a bullet header past Antii Niemi and go from villain to hero in a matter of minutes. Boro went in at half time with a deserved lead.
Within minutes of the second half beginning, any ambitions that Fulham harboured of a comeback were dashed with a second goal from Viduka, who made Christanval and Knight fall flat on their arses before driving home a superb second.
Fulham didn't mount any kind of resistance to Boro and although there should have been a increase in the margin that Boro won by, a more comprehensive scoreline did not materialise. Indeed Viduka had a wonderful opportunity to finish with a hat-trick on what could be his Middlesbrough swansong, but for once the Australian was wasteful in front of goal.
It didn't matter though, the final whistle was greeted with warm applause from the Middlesbrough faithful. It hasn't been all plain sailing this season, but there is hope for next season. The evolution that Southgate envisaged and the beginning of the season has turned into a tangible need for revolution with a large amount of deadwood being cleared already.
Hopefully there is money available to bring in talent and maybe the Boro can move to the next level. We can but hope and trust in Gareth and Gibbo to deliver a season of success next time out. For our part we must adopt the siege mentality of the Teesside region in general and transfer it into a vocal and positive atmosphere at the Riverside stadium next season.
Erimus - "We shall be"
Player Ratings
Mark Schwarzer - Rarely troubled by an ineffective Fulham side. Did what he was asked well - 7
Emmanuel Pogatetz - The player of the season at centre back, but was a little bit out of his depth at left back - 7
Jonathan Woodgate - Classy - 8
David Wheater - Sound for most of the game. A howler for Fulham's goal, but atoned for his error with a bullet header to restore Middlesbrough's lead on the stroke of half time - 7.5
Andrew Davies - Solid - 7
Stewart Downing - A constant thorn in the side of the Wigan defence with excellent running and crossing. He should have scored though - 8
Julio Arca - A class act, but wore an absolutely shite hairband. Boo. Sell him. - 8
Fabio Rochemback - ran the midfield with the skill that he undoubtedly has. There is hope for him yet - 9
George Boateng - Plenty of endeavour, some good play. However he was not at home on the right, kept coming inside - 7
Mark Viduka - Two goals, brilliant close control and skill throughout - 9
Lee Dong Gook - Bright and lively thoughout, but couldn't hit a Geordie's arse with a frying pan. Could yet be a bright prospect - 8
Substitutes:
James Morrison - bright, made some good runs. It baffled me as to why Boateng was played out of position instead of Morrison - 7
Adam Johnson - Decent - 7
Yakubu - Not involved - 6
A GUARANTEED PROFIT ON WEST BROM v WOLVES
It's the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final tonight and one of these clubs could be Premiership bound. The match kicks off at 7:45pm and we can guarantee you a profit on the match, whatever the result.
We must point out that if you want to take this bet, you should do it now because if the odds change, then the figures here will be invalidated. If they have changed, let us know and we will rework the bet for you.
You won't be able to do this if you already have accounts with any of the bookies we are using for this bet but if that is the case, mail us, let us know which accounts you have and we'll send you an alternative bet.
We're going to lay out a total of £208.00 on the West Brom v Wolves match and we will collect £231.00 if West Brom win, £261.57 if it's a draw and £272.50 if Wolves win. Please note that you will be paid out on the ninety minute result.
Here's how it's done. Just follow these simple instructions.
1. Open an account with Bet 24.
Open an account with  Premier Bet.
Open an account with Betfair .
This shouldn't take you any longer than a few minutes.
2. Make the following deposits into your new accounts.
Deposit £48.00 into your new Bet 24 account. A £24.00 bonus will now be added to your balance so you will now have £72.00 in your account.
Deposit £60.00 into your new Premier Bet account.
Deposit £100.00 into your new Betfair account.
3. Now make the following bets.
Place £72.00 on the draw at 3.30 (16/7) with Bet 24
Place £60.00 on Wolves at 3.50 (5/2) with Premier Bet.
Back West Brom at 2.06 (16/15) with Betfair with £100.00.
You have temporarily laid out a total of £208.00. I stress, temporarily... Now sit back, crack a beer open and enjoy the match.
4. Here's what happens at the end of the game.
If it's a draw in ninety minutes, you will collect £236.57 from Bet 24. You will also receive a £25.00 cashback from Betfair.
If Wolves win in ninety minutes, you collect £247.50 from Premier Bet. Premier Bet give you a bonus if your first bet is a winner, 25% in this case. This figure is included in the £247.50.You will also receive a £25.00 cashback from Betfair.
If West Brom win in ninety minutes you will collect £206.00 from Betfair. You will also receive a £25.00 cashback from Betfair.
5. This means that the worst case scenario on the West Brom v Wolves match is West Brom win in ninety minutes and you make £23.00 profit. But if it is a draw in ninety minutes you make £53.57 profit and if Wolves win in ninety minutes you make £64.50 profit. All winnings are immediately withdraweable.
7. It is absolutely vital that you click on the links on this page to open the accounts with the three bookies or you may not qualify for the bonuses.
Also, before you place your bets, you should check that the odds haven't changed. If they have, let us know and we will rework the bet for you.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all about this bet and we will come straight back to you.
Please note that the bonuses are valid for new customers only so if you already have an account with one or more of the bookies we are using, you won't be able to do this. If that is the case, contact us and we'll mail you an alternative bet using different bookies.
This method of betting was used very successfully during the World Cup and you can read all about how it was done right here.
We guarantee this bet
It's understandable that some people will not believe that it is possible to do this. "What's the catch?" I hear you asking. My answer to that question is that we have been publishing arbitrage bets for three seasons now and literally hundreds of people have profited from following the advice on these pages.
Only once has our refund guarantee been triggered and that was when we did all the figures wrong and sent refunds out to those who had followed our advice and made a small loss.
Our refund guarantee works like this. If this bet doesn't work like we say it will and you end up out of pocket, we will refund your losses. Simple as that.
That means that you simply cannot lose on this, whatever happens and even if we messed up the numbers.
The only stipulation here is that you must click on the links on this page to be eligible for the refund guarantee, not that you'll be needing to claim anyway. Just enjoy the profit and stay posted for many more of these throughout the season.
NOW HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE NEW HOLGATE FORUM
BACK TO UDAYAN MUKHERJEE INDEX
|
|
|
|
