How the Middlesbrough players rated in their 2-1 victory at Charlton Athletic
Middlesbrough’s players (centre) celebrate at Charlton(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire.)
Kim Hellberg has three wins from three as Middlesbrough boss after the 2-1 victory at Charlton Athletic which kept pressure on league leaders Coventry City.
Boro took a healthy two-goal lead into the interval after Morgan Whittaker fired his fifth goal in five games. That added to Riley McGree’s strike earlier in the half, as Hellberg’s side looked incisive in attack once again.
Charlton made more of a fist of things in the second half as Nathan Jones rang the changes at the break. Their better second-half performance was rewarded with a route back into the game when George Edmundson headed into his own net with nine minutes remaining.
It made for a tense finish, but Boro managed to grind it out and get over the line for another win in what has been a great introduction to English football for their Swedish head coach. Here’s how the Boro players were marked.
Sol Brynn – 8
Came up with a couple of big saves in the second half when Boro were still 2-0 up, which were all the more important when Charlton got one back.
Callum Brittain – 8
A superb performance. He attacked well, defended well against the lively Campbell, and then led the counter for the second goal after a brilliant interception.
Alfie Jones – 9
Colossal performance at the back. Charlton was a tough test with defensive options as they are, but Jones put his body in the way of everything, making some crucial tackles, blocks and last-ditch headers.
Matt Targett – 7
Supported Jones really well again at the heart of Boro’s defence before going over to wing-back for the final 25 minutes.
Alex Bangura – 8
Given so much space down Boro’s left, he utilised it so well, regularly getting Boro up the pitch with some great runs.
Alex Gilbert – 7
A couple of Hollywood passes which went astray but otherwise solid again throughout most of a game that Boro controlled and played through Charlton’s lines well.
Hayden Hackney – 8
Shone bright, particular in the first half, as Boro played through the Charlton lines well, offering Hackney space and time to drive Boro forward.
Morgan Whittaker – 8
It’s five in five for the in-form Boro striker who scored an excellent goal from a tight angle on the stroke of half-time. A real threat throughout.
Riley McGree – 8
Another classy display rewarded with another goal. His football intelligence and technical ability is so clear to see. He makes Boro a better team.
Delano Burgzorg – 7
Did really well to set up Boro’s first goal with a great cutback for McGree. Still frustrates with his end product a lot too.
Tommy Conway – 7
Worked tirelessly for the side despite looking like he was nursing an injury for much of the game. The goal still won’t come for him, but his absence at the top of the pitch was felt when he went off.
Substitutions
George Edmundson (For Bangura, 63’) – 6 – Clumsy moment heading into his own net to hand Charlton a late lifeline. Looked rusty.
Luke Ayling (For Whittaker, 63’) – 6 – Hit the bar with a header.
Alan Browne (For McGree, 73’) – 6 – Couldn’t help Boro regain control for a more comfortable ending.
Sverre Nypan (For Conway, 73’) – 6 – Struggled to get into the game as Boro turned to defensive focus late on.
Kaky Sene (For Burgzorg, 88’) – N/A
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