Middlesbrough's dramatic late win over West Brom saw the team stay second in the Championship. The game was a thrilling affair, with West Brom taking an early lead through a Charlie Taylor own goal and Sammy Silvera's strike. However, Middlesbrough fought back with goals from Isaac Price and Jed Wallace, only to be denied a point by Delano Burgzorg's 90th-minute winner. Here's how the Middlesbrough players rated:
- Sol Brynn: 8 - Brynn was solid throughout, making crucial saves to keep Boro in the game. His performance was particularly impressive considering the team's struggles after falling behind.
- Alan Browne: 7 - Browne, playing out of position, held his own against Samuel Iling-Junior's threat. He was a solid presence in defense and contributed to Boro's overall solidity.
- Adilson Malanda: 7 - Malanda's performance was largely superb, sticking to Heggebo and dominating the powerful Baggies striker. His header at 2-0 should have been more comfortable, but it wasn't costly in the end.
- Luke Ayling: 7 - Ayling was caught out a couple of times but otherwise solid and commanding. He was confident and ambitious in playing out from the back, as usual.
- Matt Targett: 7 - Targett, a Newcastle United loanee, had a big performance. He looked at home in Boro's defense and rarely got flustered. West Brom's biggest threat was always the other side, and he supported attacks well.
- Hayden Hackney: 9 - Hackney's performance was majestic. He was involved in all three Boro goals, driving his side forward and providing a nice touch into Silvera for the winner. His energy and aggression were key.
- Aidan Morris: 8 - Morris kept things ticking in the middle, showing his usual energy and aggression to support Hackney. His pass through the line opened up Boro's winning goal.
- Sammy Silvera: 8 - Silvera's fine form continued with an excellent finish to put Boro 2-0 up. His defensive work was equally impressive, as he regularly got back with determination to win the ball back. He did give away the foul that led to West Brom's first goal.
- Morgan Whittaker: 7 - Whittaker had a couple of individual moments of class but was generally quieter as West Brom kept a close eye on him. He still managed to assist Silvera's goal.
- Alex Gilbert: 7 - Gilbert struggled early on but grew into the game. He was unlucky that Boro's first goal wasn't his. He supported Targett in defense and often took up an interesting false nine role.
- Tommy Conway: 7 - Conway's work rate was important, as he regularly tracked back and won the ball back. His pressing high at other times was crucial in this game.
- Delano Burgzorg: 8 - Burgzorg was bright from the moment he came on. He won the free-kick that should have seen Boro go 3-0 up and then fired the crucial late winner.
- Dael Fry: N/A
- Leo Castledine: N/A
