The Worst Possible Start

Boro have got their new season off to the worst possible start with 2 defeats in 5 days.
The away defeat to Wigan, last night, marked Boro's second defeat of the season so far, after just 2 games played. Both teams started the game slowly and created very few chances. Wigan edged the first half, though it was 0-0 at half time, with new boys Antoine Sibierski and Jason Koumas putting on a good display.
Tuncay was, once again, Boro's best player of the first half and played well along the right wing, exposing Kevin Kilbane's inability to block a series of pin-point cross-field balls directed at the Turkish international. Tuncay and Aliadiere looked hot and were definitely on the same page with a series of clever one-twos and some good link up play.
The two teams went into the break at 0-0 and Boro Boss Gareth Southgate would have certainly been happy to take a draw into half time after they failed to create many chances. A slight scare for Boro came just before half time when Stewart Downing turned awkwardly and appeared to twist his knee. Downing looked uncomfortable as he limped around, reluctant to receive possession, in the remaining few minutes of the half.
Wigan started the second half stronger than the first and were mounting a series of attacks against Boro before, 9 minutes into the second half, a deflected drive from Antonio Valencia could only be parried by Boro keeper, Schwarzer, into the path of Antoine Sibierski who bundled the ball over the goal line.
The goal gave Wigan more confidence and they began to dominate the game, with Koumas ruling the midfield.
Boro did create a few chances, one from Stewart Downing who shrugged off his earlier injury to blast a low drive from the right which just needed a tough from anyone to direct it into Chris Kirkland's goal. Downing created another chance a few minutes later where his powerful drive from the right smashed off the Wigan goal post.
Wigan Continued their charge and were unlucky not to take more goals out of the second half and Boro began to look tired and their quality really dropped, misplaced passes and aimless long balls began to frustrate the fans who have been promised a more attacking and pacey style of football by Gareth Southgate.
Boro' problems were worsened when Southgate decided to substitute Boro's best player of the game, Tuncay. The decision was not taken well by the fans who booed as Tuncay was subbed by Adam Johnson.
Then Boro were given more cause for concern as Jeremie Aliadiere picked up a knock and looked uneasy forcing Gareth Southgate to make the decision to substitute him for Lee Cattermole. Lanky defender, David Wheater, was dispatched up front to accompany Dong Gook Lee who had earlier replaced Yakubu, as Cattermole made up a 5 man midfield.


Mido, was in the stands with chief executive Kieth Lamb to watch the game and, if all goes to plan, Southgate will be hoping to have the big Egyptian available for selection on Saturday against Fulham after his transfer from Spurs was finalised before yesterday's game.

"It's important to keep strengthening the squad because we're short of experienced players.

"I've been wanting a centre-forward who can hold up the ball. He has got a physical presence and can be a leader on the field.

"Ultimately he has to score goals as well and I think Mido has all those attributes." Boro boss Gareth Southgate said after the game.