|
A solid display from Shay who only looked in trouble once, when Macarrone hit the post. Commanded his area when we were under pressure.
Andy Griffin 6/10
Didn’t make many mistakes, but was constantly troubled by Greening and Queudrue.
Olivier Bernard 7/10
Looked shaky defensively in the first half, but was good going forward. Good second half performance included one great saving tackle on Macarrone.
Aaron Hughes 7/10
Indifferent performance in the first 45 minutes and was very lucky not to concede a penalty. But once he’d adjusted to the new defensive line-up put in his usual composed performance.
Stephen Caldwell 8/10
The surprise selection looked understandably nervous early on, but grew in composure to prove that he is worthy of competing for a regular starting place. Great finish for the clinching goal.
Nolberto Solano 6/10
Worked hard as normal and showed some rare touches of brilliance. Solid, but still to recapture last season’s form.
Laurent Robert 7/10
Typical Robert performance, brilliance mixed with laziness. Getting close to his best form.
Gary Speed 6/10
Seemed to struggle against Boro’s hardworking George Boateng, but his superior fitness levels showed when he started to control the last 20 minutes.
Jermaine Jenas 8/10
Outstanding, showed why Sir Bobby left Dyer on the bench. A real box-to-box performance, strong defensively and a constant menace going forward. On any other day a man-of-the-match performance.
Alan Shearer 7/10
Great battle with Gareth Southgate, which ended with honours about even. Had a goal disallowed and produced a fine save from Schwarzer. Stupidly booked.
Shola Ameobi 7/10
At times showed why he is so highly rated by Sir Bobby and David Platt, at times he showed his recent form. His goal summed up his game, poor control followed by a great finish. Good work rate when we were holding on at 1-0.
Substitutes
Kieron Dyer 6/10
Struggled to get into the game, but still showed the odd moment of magic.
Hugo Viana 7/10
Had some great touches and almost scored, but showed a worrying lack of fitness.
Man-of-the-match: Stephen Caldwell