The first 20 minutes yesterday were the best since WBA last season and we scored an early goal when Bamford had 2 good headed chances and scored with the 2nd. The Boro fans seemed to dislike him from then on. The movement and passing was top class and Boro just didn't know what had hit them and how to deal with it. Dallas was everywhere, as was Hernandez and whilst a high proportion of his passes still never made their target, his movement, running and constant desire to get on the ball give us an extra dimension. After 20 minutes though we did pause for breath and Boro finally got a foot in the game. Fletcher caused a few problems and that's the first time I've seen White wobbling against a good opponent. Nothing too serious but Fletcher is a good player and in a good team I think he would score goals. They didn't create much with their possession but we did give them a lot of space at times around our box. Philips was lucky to stay on the pitch after he mistimed one of those flying tackles that he does now and again. He needs to cut those out of his game. His yellow card means he misses the local derby next week. It looked like the game was going to to be one of those where we hold on to a narrow home victory but then Klich scored with a deflected shot in first half injury time and that was the killer blow for Boro. A long ball from Harrison (you don't say that often these days) put Bamford away on the left, he then pulled back to an unmarked Klich. Second half we came out just like the first and took total control. It was a devasting display against a team who looked lost and beaten. The ever improving Costa got the 3rd with a run where it looked like he'd been tackled and lost possession but somehow he kept the ball alive (hes good at doing that) and hammered the ball high into the centre of the net. Not sure what the keeper was doing but I think he was just beaten by pace. Bamford spent a lot of the 2nd half on the floor play acting and moaning that Ayala had it in for him. Maybe he did, but Bamford is a big girl at times and with his previous record the ref was having none of it and I don't blame him. The fourth goal was probably the best, with Klich just picking his spot in the top corner and doing what he used to do. We could have had a couple more, Eddie came on for lady Bamford in his gloves but didn't figure. Overall, this was definitely our best home performance caviated with the fact that Boro are really, really poor and Woody won't be there too long. Casilla - 7. Nothing to do other than a straight forward shot and a bit of close control and clearing at the back which he did well. When's the decision on his case ? Ayling - 7. I thought that was his best performance since his return and he nearly scored with a left foot effort on the edge of their box. White - 8. He was pushed into midfield late on and there's a view that he may play there next week in the absence of Philips. That would be a mistake as he's our best defender so play him there in what will no doubt be a typically hard Yorkshire derby. We have enough midfielders to cover. Cooper - 8. Didn't put a foot wrong. Costa - 8. He's beginning to look like a player. He's beating his man (Harrison take note) and he looks like a quality player with time and space on the ball. With Costa and Hernandez coming into the team and regaining form I think this is great news for us over the Christmas period. Klich - 8. His performances recently showed a player needing a rest however I'm now hoping he will kick on again after these 2 goals. Hernandez - 7. Lively and some great touches 2nd half. Just wish he could pass better. Philips - 7. Slow start but grew into the game. Lucky not to be sent off. Harrison - 7. Had a lot of ball first half and always looks dangerous. Struggles to beat his man though. Had a good left foot shot saved second half. Bamford - 7. Good goal and worked hard. Dallas - 8. His best midfield performance for me. Subs: Eddie - didn't really do anything. We'd won the game by then. Allioski - same. Town got smashed at Bristol but you just know they are gearing up for the game of their lives next week. Who plays for Philips ? Shackleton is the obvious choice in the absence of Forshaw but maybe Bogusz will get a run. Neither are pure defensive midfielders but maybe adding another attacking option will help us. I sometimes feel Philips is too pedestrian. We'll see.
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