Middlesbrough player ratings vs Stoke City as 'electric' Boro star inspires victory

Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring the second goal
-Credit: (Image: Greig Cowie/REX/Shutterstock)


Middlesbrough returned to winning ways with a much-improved performance as they beat Stoke City 2-0 at the Riverside.

Bouncing back from their disappointing Sunderland defeat, Ben Doak and Hayden Hackney scored the goals to earn three points that felt very much needed for Michael Carrick's side. Here's how the Boro players rated in the game.

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Seny Dieng - 7

Didn't have an awful lot to do but made an important save at 0-0 and was then composed with his feet throughout, including early in the second half when Morris's awkward backpass put him under a little pressure.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 7

Returning to the side after Matt Clarke's injury, Dijksteel was solid throughout. He coped well defensively and was really positive going forward, linking well with those around him and dribbling well when needed.

Luke Ayling - 7

Not for the first time, Ayling stepped up when needed for Boro. Though Rav van den Berg was able to return and play the final 20 minutes, the absence of enough fit centre-backs saw Ayling back in the middle and he coped with it with ease.

George Edmundson - 7

Another solid outing for the Ipswich loanee as his late arrival proves more and more important by the game. Battled so well with Tom Cannon first half before he was axed, and then again second half with Sam Gallagher. Solid.

Neto Borges - 7

Much better from the Brazilian, save for a couple of rash moments where he dove in and was beaten. He was up against the dangerous Million Manhoef though, so he wouldn't have been expected to stop him every time. He got the balance between attack and defence much better in this one too and went on a few positive forays forward and delivered a few dangerous crosses. Positive.

Aidan Morris - 7

Another solid outing for the USA international. So composed in possession and plenty of energy and bite off the ball - it's become his trademark in that Boro midfield.

Hayden Hackney - 8

He needed a big performance and he provided one. He was ultra positive with the ball - whether that was driving forward into gaps with it, or just generally always looking to play forward. The former saw him kill the game off too as he scored a wonderful second Boro goal to seal the three points.

Ben Doak - 8

As good a full debut for Boro you'll see for some time. He was electric on the right wing. He had the beating of his man time and time again as Boro constantly sought him early. He inspired a much-improved attacking performance and win for Boro, marking his full debut with his first goal too.

Finn Azaz - 7

Moved back into the centre in the absence of Tommy Conway and he was immediately much better than in the last three when operating from out wide. Able to pick up positive areas of open space, he kept the ball moving and helped Boro break down the Stoke defence with a much faster purpose to their play in the final third.

Riley McGree - 8

Back from injury and making an incredible difference for Boro. His return to that left-sided forward role that he made his own at the start of Carrick's reign, McGree provided the team with a lot more balance, while his off-ball movement and ability on the ball in intricate spaces gave Boro a much better outlet up top. His effort ultimately provided Doak with the opportunity to score Boro's first either, proving sometimes you don't always have to score the perfect goal.

Emmanuel Latte Lath - 8

Unlucky with his one major effort in the game as Viktor Johansson got down well to save his curled effort. Let no goal for the striker detract from him importance in this one, however, with both Boro goals ultimately coming from his dogged determination to win Boro the ball back in wide areas leading to breaks and goals.

Substitutions

Rav van den Berg (for Dijksteel, 70') - 6 - Great to see him back on the pitch and it could be timely after Clarke's injury.

Isaiah Jones (for Doak, 70') - 6 - Went close to adding a third for Boro as he ultimately came on to allow Doak to rest. Will have work to do now to earn his place back.

Micah Hamilton (for McGree, 76') - N/A

Delano Burgzorg (for Latte Lath, 76') - N/A

Dan Barlaser (for Hackney, 84') - N/A