Outstanding Traore, Fantastic Friend – The best and the worst rated Middlesbrough players vs Bristol City

Middlesbrough 2-1 Bristol City: Boro Boost Their Playoff Hopes With Vital Win

Middlesbrough clinched a vital victory over Bristol City to give their hopes of a playoff place a serious boost and retain 5^th place in the table.

It was a big victory as Bristol City were challenging them for the playoff places. So it was really a 6-pointer when it came to the playoffs battle.

Middlesbrough Player Ratings

Darren Randolph – 7/10

Randolph only had two saves to make all game, but they were important ones that kept his team in the game. A commanding performance from the keeper.

George Friend – 8.5/10

An excellent performance from the left-back. He looked fantastic in defence and scored a very important goal for his team to level the scoreline.

Ben Gibson – 7/10

Gibson looked solid at centre-back today and was very commanding in the air. He also passed very well and helped Middlesbrough build from the back.

Daniel Ayala – 8/10

The 27-year-old had an absolutely fantastic game today, he looked very good defensively and also grabbed the winning goal, providing a towering presence in the box.

Ryan Shotton – 6.5/10

Shotton didn’t have the best of games but he also didn’t have the worst of games at right-back. Wasn’t really involved in the action too much.

Muhamed Besic – 6.5/10

The 25-year-old had a fairly average game. He had seven shots and should’ve maybe done better with a few of those.

Adam Clayton – 7/10

Clayton tackled well in the centre of the park. He looked assured on the ball and played well.

Jonny Howson – 6.5/10

Howson put in a couple of good challenges but apart from that, you could be forgiven for forgetting he was on the pitch.

Stewart Downing – 6.5/10

A bit of an off-day for Downing and didn’t really do enough with the ball when he had it. Managed two shots but never really looked like scoring.

Adama Traore – 9.5/10

Traore had an incredible game today and everything seemed to go through him. Always looked threatening, attacking the Bristol City defence with pace and power. He got two assists to show for it. 

Patrick Bamford – N/A

Bamford was carried off injured in the 34^th minute and things did not look good for the young striker as he had to receive oxygen whilst leaving the pitch. We wish him a full recovery.

Substitutes

Britt Assombalonga – 6/10

Replaced Bamford in the 34^th minute. Didn’t too much to prove his worth. Had four shots and should’ve done better with his chances.

Fabio – N/A

Came on in the 88^th minute to replace Stewart Downing and give Middlesbrough some more legs in defence.

Martin Cranie – N/A

Came on in the 93^rd minute to replace Adama Traore.