Ratings: Middlesbrough 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers lost 2-0 away at Middlesbrough last night. Others will comment on the tactics so I won’t get bogged down with them here. Let’s dive into Player Ratings:

Ben Alnwick - 7

No chance with either goal. Had a busy night and kept out Boro’s best efforts.

Pawel Olkowski - 6

Not his usual self but Wanderers didn’t play the type of game that works to his strengths. Showed frustrations by getting into a stupid row with a ball-boy. One to forget.

Jonathan Grounds - 5

There’s not much that can be said. Boro targeted his side regularly and he wasn’t really able to cope. I wonder how much longer we can persevere.

Jack Hobbs - 5

Went off injured with what seemed an innocuous problem - nobody can say we weren’t warned.

David Wheater - 6

Battled well in the air but ultimately his lack of pace meant that he struggled against younger and more sprightly opponents.

Mark Beevers - 6

As with Wheater, he can sometimes run as though he has lead in his boots. He was similarly good in the air but that’s about it.

Josh Vela - 6

Brought back in the team to provide energy when on the break, he wasn’t given enough opportunity to make anything happen and it came as little surprise to see him hooked. Looks very much short of confidence and the swagger that we all know he possesses.

Jason Lowe - 6

I was hoping for more after Saturday’s performance, but it seemed a restrained showing from Lowe and I need more than that.

Gary O’Neil - 5

Another who would have wanted to improve after playing poorly against QPR, instead he looked lost in a midfield which struggled to get a grip against better players in red shirts. His mistake for the goal summed up what was a forgettable showing.

Joe Williams - 7

Thankfully we had one player prepared to get on the ball and attempt to make things happen. Sadly he was very much alone in this regard.

Josh Magennis - 6

Struggled with the lone role against towering and experienced defenders. Barely a sniff.

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Marc Wilson - 5

One appearance, one major mistake leading to a goal. Not a great start.

Erhun Oztumer - 6

Looks so eager when he comes on, but will there ever be a chance for him to start, or will Phil Parkinson always go for the more physically-able alternative? It’s a damned shame because he definitely deserves the opportunity.

Yanic Wildschut - 5

Anonymous. I need more.