Middlesbrough sit in 7th place after 30 games in the Championship and there has been a lot of pessimism in the media and from fans on the team’s performances. But the question is has the season (so far) been a failure?
A failure
- Middlesbrough were knocked out of both domestic cups early, being eliminated in the League Cup in the second round and the third round of the FA cup.
- Boro currently have the 13th worst defensive record in the league, conceding 39 goals.
- Middlesbrough have been poor against the top six this season, having a record of 11 points out of a possible 28 against them.
- Middlesbrough were unable to keep hold of top striker Emmanuel Latte Lath in the January window, who has a record of 27 goals in 59 games for the club.
A success
- Middlesbrough have the joint second-best attacking record with 49 goals.
- Finn Azaz is third in the league in G/A (goals and assists) with 17.
- Finn Azaz has won the Player of the Month award this season.
- Ben Doak has won the Young Player of the Month award this season.
- Boro were 12th at the same point of last season, a 5-place swing.
- New signings Aidan Morris and Tommy Conway have performed well when fit.
The verdict
This season is a big step in the right direction for Middlesbrough when compared to last season’s league campaign. However, with less than three months left of the season. Boro have failed to consolidate a playoff position and their poor record against the top six raises question marks over if they would succeed in the playoffs. In order to finish in the top six, Middlesbrough will be hoping they can hit a vein of form like they did at the end of last season and the January additions can quickly embed. As well as getting Ben Doak back to 100% fitness following his thigh injury.
Significant pressure will be put on Michael Carrick if he fails to achieve promotion this season and even more if he fails to reach the playoffs. Although it is important to consider that from 2018 to 2022, Middlesbrough only made the playoffs once and that team was a relegated Premier League side on parachute payments. On the other hand, Michael Carrick is currently the longest-serving manager in the Championship and an inability to get promoted may put pressure on Steve Gibson to part ways with him.
Rating: 6.5/10
Hi, I am a student sports journalist at Teesside University and here to deliver you the best quality news. I have a big interest in local issues and my favourite football team Middlesbrough FC. I hope you enjoy my posts and that you find them informative.
