Middlesbrough players ratings vs Preston as many struggle to make an impact and get 5s
Middlesbrough dropped another two points as they let a dominant position in the game slip to draw 1-1 with Preston.
Taking an early lead through Tommy Conway's goal, they ultimately couldn't kick on and make early dominance count as they were then pegged back before the break before an underwhelming second half. Here's how the Boro players rated.
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Seny Dieng - 6
Nothing he could do with the goal and, beyond one flash Greenwood chance he had to get a hand to, he had very little to do.
Luke Ayling - 7
Brilliant vision to spot the run of Conway and a brilliant ball to match as the right-back set the Boro forward through on goal to give Boro an early lead. Otherwise solid as what little Preston created came from the other side.
George Edmundson - 7
Generally solid if not lacking a little sharpness. Appeared to slot seamlessly into the back four, comfortable with both the shape and the playing out from the back element of Boro's play.
Matt Clarke - 7
Solid at the back again but let down again by those further up the field as Boro just couldn't find a way to kill the game off. He did have his own chance blocked on the line with a crowd of bodies protecting the goal.
Neto Borges - 5
Tried to get more involved in the attack in this one but, perhaps not yet fully-versed in the tactical intricacies, he was caught out a couple of times for Preston's best moments. That included their goal, where he was pipped to Azaz's knock-on, leaving him out of possession and with Boro therefore defensively vulnerable.
Dan Barlaser - 5
Another game that just largely passed him by without any telling contribution to the game beyond some simple passes. Anything beyond that largely missed their intended target, including some disappointing set-pieces.
Hayden Hackney - 6
Tried to make things happen for his side, particularly as part of the aggressive press in the first half. A little unfortunate with a couple of attempted through balls as things just didn't come off for him. But he largely dominated the middle of the park.
Isaiah Jones - 5
Ultimately ineffective on the right wing as he was unable to produce much of note before being hooked for Ben Doak in the second half.
Tommy Conway - 7
Boro's best attacking player. He scored an excellent goal after breaking the last line and finishing calmly. He tired as the game went on but he pressed hard throughout and really tried to make things happen for his side with aggression in and out of possession.
Finn Azaz - 5
Once again out on the left, Azaz struggled to offer Boro much, and was involved in the equaliser as his attempted ball up the wing was just a bit too long for Borges, leading to Boro getting caught out.
Emmanuel Latte Lath - 6
No shortage of effort up tap, despite a lack of opportunities in the game that came his way. Boro's early press caused a lot of problems for Preston, but Boro just couldn't make their dominance count.
Substitutions
Ben Doak (for Jones, 68') - 6 - Added a bit of spark for Boro on the right and looked lively when Boro did get the ball out to him. It just didn't quite come off for him.
Aidan Morris (for Barlaser, 78') - N/A
Micah Hamilton (for Azaz, 78') - N/A
Delano Burgzorg (for Latte Lath, 78') - N/A