Full Time: Middlesbrough 1-0 West Bromwich Albion

It was a typical Tony Pulis win for Middlesbrough who held their nerve until the last minute to find the net via Daniel Ayala. West Brom threatened the Boro goal on a couple of occasions but failed to make their chances count.

Darren Moore will be disappointed in not coming away with the draw and will rue his team’s missed chances. To be fair, Middlesbrough were the better team on the night and deservedly picked up all three points.

Middlesbrough Player Ratings

Darren Randolph (7/10)

Randolph made a couple of vital saves to keep West Brom at bay. Thanks to his efforts, both Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle were kept off the scoresheet.

Daniel Ayala (9/10)

Ayala continued his happy habit of picking up goals from set-pieces. The defender was excellent on the night and was supreme at the back.

Aden Flint (7/10)

Flint made a couple of vital interceptions and clearances during set-pieces. He was defensively impressive on the night.

Dael Fry (6/10)

Fry was caught out of possession on a couple of occasions. The defender was lucky to get away with it.

Ryan Shotton (8/10)

Shotton posed a massive threat down the right flank. His towering presence was often too much for Gibbs to handle. He came close to scoring on a few occasions as well.

Jonny Howson (9/10)

It was an all-round performance from Jonny Howson who was unfortunate to get on the scoresheet. He picked up the man of the match award for the game.

Adam Clayton (7/10)

Clayton was impressive with his distribution in the middle of the park. The midfielder also played a vital role in cutting out West Brom on the counter.

Stewart Downing (6/10)

Downing didn’t look comfortable on the night and his deliveries were all inaccurate. But the former Liverpool man came close to scoring his second goal of the season.

George Friend (5/10)

The 30-year-old endured a mediocre game and Middlesbrough rarely threatened from the left-hand side.

Martin Braithwaite (7/10)

Braithwaite bullied and harried the defenders but was unable to make his chances count. However, he threatened Sam Johnstone’s goal.

Britt Assombalonga (7/10)

Assombalonga also failed to pull on his scoring boots today. The striker was excellent in his link-up play, but squandered a number of opportunities.

Substitutes

Muhamed Besic (7/10)

Besic came on as a sub and instantly impacted the game. He picked up the assist for Ayala’s goal as well.

Jordan Hugill (6/10)

Hugill was brought on for the final few minutes of the game and successfully drew a couple fouls in the West Brom half.

Paddy McNair (N/A)

McNair was brought on to see out the game but didn’t have enough time to play a role.