Middlesbrough’s draw with Sunderland demonstrated how they may regret not adding a striker in January.
Middlesbrough lost an opportunity to move within two points of the play-off places after a dismal 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Sunday.
Michael Carrick’s first full season at the Riverside Stadium has been disappointing, despite a fantastic start in which Boro reached the play-offs against all expectations.
In fairness, a decline was to be expected. Boro lost numerous key players last season, and injuries haven’t helped matters.
However, a top-six finish remains a very real possibility, therefore the manner of the draw against Sunderland must have been quite upsetting for Carrick.
Middlesbrough lack the ruthless edge.
After a level first half, Boro seized control of the game against the Black Cats, with Marcus Forss scoring an impressive goal.
They would eventually have to settle for a point, however, when a Tom Glover error allowed Nazariy Rusyn to equalise, and Carrick’s men have now won one of their four games.
While it’s true that they could have won if the goalie had made a simple save, mistakes happen, and the manager will undoubtedly believe his team should not have been in a position where one blunder cost them two points.
Boro had chances to double their lead, which would have provided the necessary cushion to secure the three points.
However, they lost opportunities, and the lack of a great forward prevented them from capitalizing on good scenarios.
Sam Greenwood was caught offside far too often when he could have scored, and they lacked the presence in the box to sniff out opportunities.
It was always going to be impossible for anyone to match Chuba Akpom’s 28 goals from the previous season, but the fact that no one has more than five this season is a major concern for Boro.
There were indicators that Emmanuel Latte Lath might establish himself as Boro’s primary man, and he remains a constant threat with his quickness and astute movement as he adjusts to the Championship.
Unfortunately, an injury has delayed his progress, and it has left Boro light up top.
