Middlesbrough won the Wear-Tees derby for the first time with their largest away win over Sunderland.
It could be remembered that a few days ago, Sunderland manager, Tony Mowbray applauded the performances of fast rising youngsters on the team. However, the hands of time turned so fast today when Middlesbrough defeated Sunderland by 4 goals. This is one of the biggest away championship losses in recent time.
Boro’s fourth consecutive win came courtesy of second-half goals from Leeds United loanee Sam Greenwood, Matt Crooks, Isaiah Jones, and Marcus Forss as they maintained their comeback from a dismal start to the season. Dan Neil, a Black Cats midfielder, was sent off in first-half injury time for a second yellow card offense.
The home club struggled without him, falling to their fourth loss of the season despite remaining in the top six. These two were Championship play-off semi-finalists last year and have been regaining form after sluggish starts to this season.
Patrick Roberts nearly put Sunderland ahead following a stunning run, only for Boro goalkeeper Seny Dieng’s outstretched boot to keep his shot out in front of another large Stadium of Light crowd of 43,584.
Middlesbrough, on the other hand, displayed their own ambitions when Greenwood’s shot was parried by Anthony Patterson and it took heroic defense from Dan Ballard to prevent Josh Coburn from turning in the rebound.
However, the game took a turn for the worse when Neil was given a second yellow card for disobedience to referee Jarred Gillett after being penalized earlier for a tackle on Coburn.
Read: Journalist hails Sunderland new boy who starred for U21s in front of Tony Mowbray
With tempers still smoldering, Ballard reacted violently to an aerial challenge from Coburn, and the halftime whistle was greeted by players bumping and shoving. Boro manager Michael Carrick had to enter the field to keep his players out of trouble, which resulted in bookings for both Ballard and Coburn.
Boro romp in the second half
After an extra man, Middlesbrough took control after a break, with a goal from Patterson. However, two goals in three minutes sealed the game just before the hour. Greenwood scored his first Middlesbrough goal, followed by Jones’ goal for Crooks. Jones added a third, and substitute Forss scored a late fourth. Boro, with 13 out of the last 15 points, are now aiming to repeat last season’s fourth place in the table. Sunderland’s afternoon was progressively worse, but Boro continues to pick up momentum.
