Middlesbrough player ratings vs Sheffield Wednesday with four 5s after second-half collapse

Middlesbrough blew an excellent opportunity to move into the Championship top-six as they squandered a lead to lose 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday.

Ahead through Finn Azaz’s early goal, they failed to take numerous opportunities, including a Tommy Conway penalty, as their first-half dominance was only good for a one-goal lead. And that ultimately cost them as they collapsed in the second half and ended up being beaten by a side who’d not won at home since New Year’s Day.

A wasted opportunity, the defeat come on the same day that Bristol City and Coventry City also lost, with Boro turning in another uninspiring performance. Here’s how the Boro players were rated.

Mark Travers - 7

Made numerous good saves towards the end of the first half and throughout the second half as Boro lost their grip of the game. He was involved in the sloppy melee that led to their winning goal.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 6

Middle of the road performance. He didn’t influence matters much from an attacking perspective but was solid enough defensively, with few Owls attacks coming from his side. Involved in the sloppy way of dealing with the winning goal too.

Jonny Howson - 7

A rare positive in the game. He was solid and tried to drive his side forward both as a centre-back then later in midfield.

Rav van den Berg - 5

His unconvincing form continues. Sloppy a few times, he then made a right mess of dealing with the low cross which ultimately results in the Sheffield Wednesday goal.

Samuel Iling-Junior - 5

Struggled to have any impact in the game from an attacking perspective and then allowed Josh Windass and Callum Paterson too much space in behind throughout, with Windass the host’s main threat and Paterson on his side when creating the winning goal.

Aidan Morris - 6

Usual bite, but a few sloppy moments creeping in. On top of that, he was part of a Boro midfield that struggled to take the bull by the horns, particularly in the second half as they just couldn’t get a grip of the game.

Hayden Hackney - 6

Tried his best to have some influence on the game. One clever turn and drive earned his side a penalty. Ultimately, he just couldn’t make something happen, then he and Boro lost a grip of the game after the break.

Marcus Forss - 6

Worked hard for little reward in the first half. Had one good chance just before the break to score after reading a slack Bannan pass well, but was thwarted by a good save. Faded second half before being taken off.

Morgan Whittaker - 5

Another game with almost no impact whatsoever. He had a good opportunity just after the penalty miss in which he should have at least hit the target as well.

Finn Azaz - 6

Scored the early goal with a clever finish and had some decent first-half moments, but he faded badly and struggled to help Boro have any attacking threat after the interval.

Tommy Conway - 5

Football is a cruel game at times, and this was one of those days for Conway. As well as a missed penalty to put Boro 2-0 up, he then missed a great chance right at the death to at least steal a point. His heroics on Friday suddenly feels a long time ago.

Substitutions

Delano Burgzorg (For Forss, 66’) - 5 - Came on and struggled to spark any positive change for Boro. Missed a good chance late on, with Charles out quickly to smother him.

Dael Fry (For Whittaker, 77’) - N/A

Kelechi Iheanacho (For Howson, 90+1’) - N/A

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