a different read from another angle.
BORO v CHELSEA - BRIGGSY'S VIEW
Roles were reversed it seemed yesterday at the Riverside. It was
Middlesbrough in red that were playing like the league champions.
The 3-0 drubbing of Chelsea was on par with Mourinhos worst
managerial career defeat and it proved that the untouchables are
beatable.
Boro lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Morison, Downing,
Rochemback and Mendieta providing the attacking outlet with big
Yakubu up front on his own. He had played that role superbly with
Portsmouth. We were barely taking our seats when we were back up
celebrating. Chelsea won a throw-in deep in their own half, Ricardo
Carvalho received and lost the ball in the same moment and Fabio
Rochemback was on hand to take advantage, playing a quick one-two
with Yakubu. Rochemback then turned inside John Terry and placed a
shot which squeezed under Petr Cech. 1-0!
You could see the confidence come streaming back. Confidence does
wonders in football and many underestimate the importance of it.
Some take the blase approach that because you get paid x amount
your confidence should be rocket high and it's simply not true.
Chelseas best chance of the half came when Essien had a wild
swerving shot from wide left which Schwarzer could only parry into
Crespos path, then made a fantastic save to deny Chelsea an
equaliser. Chelsea were limited to shots from range and played
plenty of possession football in front of us, rather than in behind
us. We looked perfectly comfortable with this.
It was 2-0 on the stroke of half time when the ball was played up
field to Yakubu who got the better of Carvalho then had his shot
blocked, which fell to Downing who still had a lot to do. He turned
inside the defender and calmly slotted the ball home on his right
foot. The Riverside exploded with celebration and although many of
us did not believe the score line, no one could question whether we
deserved it. The goal came at a crucial time and will have made
McClaren's half-time team talk slightly easier. The boro players
went off to a standing ovation at half time and what a boost that
will have given them.
Another boost was seeing the influential George Boateng back in the
fold. Weve missed him just as much as Chelsea missed Makelele. The
game was put beyond any doubt when again the ball was played up to
Yakubu whose strength was too much for John Terry. The Yak turned
inside then simply breezed past Terry like he wasnt there and then
had the composure to calmly place the ball into the net. 3-0!! Not
many would have expected 3-0 with just over an hour played against
the league champions. Riggott and Southgate were our rock at the
back, limiting Crespo and Carlton Cole to the odd chance.
Every single Middlesbrough player played immensely and the shining
light for me was Rochemback who proved why he was voted Portugals
player of the year. He nearly scored a fantastic goal that will
certainly be a firm contender for goal of the season. He belted it
from wide right and it looked destined for the top corner, but for
a fantastic save by Petr Cech.
The players were given a rapturous reception at the end and fully
deserved it. I dont think Ive seen a better all round display
than we gave yesterday. Everyone had a smile on their face fans,
players, management. It was one of those days that you just know
dont come along very often, and by God did we enjoy it.
The midfield worked their socks off, stopping Chelsea playing their
own game. The key ingredients to the victory were simple attitude
and organisation with quick precision counter attacking football.
Rumours going round of disharmony in the squad and how McClaren has
lost the dressing room were well and truly blasted out of the
water yesterday. Team spirit has always been evident when McClaren
has been in charge, none more so than yesterday, with every
outfield player celebrating the goals.
Its been a poor season with injuries and losing Zenden dented the
club's plans. Rochemback has taken time to settle, time which we
havent had at the moment. Losing an influential player like George
Boateng reduces the solidity of the team, and the frustrations on
and off the field has added extra pressure on McClarens already
depleted team. But McClaren has to be credited for the way he has
handled the pressure. His squad has stuck together and yesterday's
result showed how much hard work has gone on behind the scenes. I
hope the fans lay off McClarens back now and let him get on with
his job. Even a little support may not be out of the
question?
There is clear daylight between us and the bottom three now but we
must not get complacent. If we can take points from West Brom and
Birmingham then the threat of relegation will be a long distant
memory and weve still got a lot to look forward to this season.
Theres the small matter of Europe and we're in the final sixteen
of the FA Cup with a very good chance to advance to the next stage.
Many say this has been a horrendous season. I myself have said it
but it just goes to show how McClaren has raised standards on
Teesside. So let's stop the infighting and unite behind the club,
because this could still be another season that we will not forget,
for all the right reasons.
