Tired Boro make their point

GARETH SOUTHGATE might dream of turning Middlesbrough into the Arsenal of the north — all flowing football played by bright-eyed tyros — but not every game lends itself to such fantasy football.

This was one of them. A jaded Boro had been poor for the majority of the match and deservedly fell behind to Hayden Mullins’ 21st-minute strike.

It was only in the final 20 minutes that the home side came to life and really tested Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green.

Egyptian striker Mido, who had been introduced for Afonso Alves, eventually levelled matters when he smashed home a free-kick in the 83rd minute, but Southgate believes it was the earlier introduction of Justin Hoyte and Julio Arca which really influenced the game.

“Mido was obviously key to us getting back in the game and he took the free-kick superbly,” Southgate said. “But different games require different players and Julio Arca was excellent when he came on.

“He got hold of the ball for us, made us play a bit more and allowed us to use the width of the pitch a bit more. It was pleasing for me to see that.

“Everybody has a match where they step up and make the difference with a goal. Against Manchester City it was Gary O’Neil and against West Ham it was Mido.

“That’s football and the nature of being part of a team and the defence did well when put under pressure.

“We have a small squad but one that can have an impact when everyone is fit and available. It’s amazing when you’re winning games and picking up points how that’s when everyone is okay.”

Gianfranco Zola hailed the impact of his young players after they helped West Ham dominate the game for long periods.

“I was very pleased with some of the young players. Freddie Sears and Jack Collison were really good,” Zola said. “It was a tough match for experienced players so imagine for the younger players. But in this game they did not look like young players and that is a big compliment.

“Results wise I hope we have turned the corner. Despite losing four games we were not playing badly so now we need to carry on playing well and getting results. It might be a huge point for us.”

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Turnbull 8, Wheater 4 (Hoyte 46, 6), Riggott 7, Pogatetz 6, Taylor 6, Aliadiere 5, O’Neil 6, Digard 5 (Arca 56, 7), Downing 6, Tuncay 6, Alves 6 (Mido 67, 7).

Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, Adam Johnson, Grounds.

WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 6, Neill 6, Collins 7, Upson 5, Ilunga 6, Faubert 6, Collison 7, Mullins 8, Boa Morte 7 (Bowyer 84, 5), Bellamy 7, Sears 6 (Etherington 73, 5).

Subs Not Used: Walker, Lopez, Tristan, Tomkins, Di Michele.

REFEREE: Andre Marriner 6: Authoritative display, although helped by the players.

MATCH RATING: *** Entertaining enough, with both sides playing their part.