Seny Dieng – 6
Unconvincing for Leeds’s second goal as he failed to deal with a cross while caught in a moment of uncertainty with Matt Clarke. It was his to deal with though. Unfortunate to be on the end of a team conceding four, but it speaks volumes about how clinical Leeds were on the evening. He made a very good save with their only other shot on target in the game beyond the four goals.
Anfernee Dijksteel – 4
Torrid evening for the Suriname international in his first Boro start since December. He gave away an early penalty and was caught out of position for another two goals. Not the kind of performance that screamed taking a rare opportunity. He was up against the league’s best player while rusty, in his defence.
Rav van den Berg – 6
Really tough evening for all of Boro’s defence against a clinical and pacey Leeds attack. They only had five shots on target and scored from four of them, which is to their credit, but also shows that, despite the scoreline, it wasn’t a terrible defensive performance. Van den Berg tussled well with Bamford throughout.
Matt Clarke – 6
Similar to Van den Berg in that, despite the scoreline, he didn’t do all that wrong in the game. He battled well and helped Boro keep a decent defensive shape for the most part, despite Boro playing in such an open manner. Not always the easiest night when Boro’s attacking players got a run on him, but he held his own.
Luke Thomas – 5
Played a big part in the Boro opener with a good interception to set off the attack. But it was a difficult evening defensively, largely up against Gnonto throughout. Particularly guilty in the Leeds fourth of dropping deeper than the rest of his defensive line and playing Gnonto onside, forcing Van den Berg to have to try and split two players, rather than focus on the ball. Didn’t provide much of a threat going forward.
Jonny Howson – 6
Gave his all in the middle of the park and kept Boro going throughout. The Leeds boy almost created quite the narrative in stoppage time as well when his drive at goal almost levelled the scores again.
Lewis O’Brien – 8
Building on recent performances, he was really positive and full of energy throughout, driving Boro forward. Perhaps left Boro defensively exposed a little, but that was in keeping with the game plan to really go for it.
Isaiah Jones – 7
Full of energy throughout and causing problems down Boro’s right. He got his eighth goal of the season too, scoring Boro’s opener by having the desire to get into the box to support Latte Lath.
Finn Azaz – 7
Played a big part in two of Boro’s goals. Even if there was a slight element of fortune to the first, he still had the vision to try the first-time through ball. Equally frustrating moments at times where he took too long in dangerous moments as he continues to be a player who is difficult to mark. His ultimate aim is to make things happen though, and he did that.
Sammy Silvera – 6
Similar to Ipswich, Silvera was full of endeavour but just lacking in quality. He doesn’t ever lose his confidence though, and stung the palms of Meslier with a couple of decent first-half efforts.
Emmanuel Latte Lath – 8
Another two goals – both superbly taken in different ways – takes Latte Lath to seven goals in six games. He is ending the season in emphatic form, offering real encouragement for next season.
Substitutions
Alex Bangura (for Thomas, 68′) – 6 – Was really bright when he came on and helped with Boro’s late push as they got one of the two goals back they needed. Encouraging return to action.
Alex Gilbert (for Dijksteel, 68′) – 6 – He didn’t have much involvement overall after coming on, but played a superb long ball over the top that led to Boro’s third goal. It was a brilliant ball.
Dan Barlaser (for O’Brien, 76′) – N/A
Ajay Matthews (for Silvera, 86′) – N/A – Another young debutant for Boro, he came very close to getting on the end and grabbing an equaliser too.
Middlesbrough FC news straight to your phone on WhatsApp
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
