Michael Carrick’s verdict as he highlights what particularly pleased him in Boro’s 6-2 win at Oxford United
As his significantly improved Middlesbrough team maintained their excellent play in a resounding 6-2 victory over Oxford United, Michael Carrick was naturally overjoyed.
Following the international break, Boro’s recent clinical touch continued when Emmanuel Latte Lath scored a hat-trick after coming from behind, followed by braces from Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway, a substitute. They entered the top six as a result.
Boro’s third straight victory marks a time when they’ve truly rediscovered their scoring groove following early-season difficulties in front of goal. They have scored 13 goals away from the Riverside in their last three games, or 15 goals overall.
“There were a lot of positives to take away from today,” Carrick remarked, beginning with Sol [Brynn]’s incredible save that set up the second goal. I’m happy for Sol. There were a lot of good things about the entire crew.
“I think you could identify so many of the lads of having a threat in so many different ways. Delano [Burgzorg] played out on the left and then Riley [McGree] comes on for him, Micah [Hamilton] then comes on late as well. That’s three lads who all play the same position very differently.
“It’s really good options. Tommy and Manu as well, up top, very different strengths which helps. Luckily they’re all finding their feet, they all want to start and all want to play.
“You could see that in how we finished because we were still looking dangerous and some of the football towards the end was fantastic and we could have scored even more. It’s really encouraging and it’s good to see the boys playing with that spring in the step.”
Brynn came in for his league debut for Boro as Seny Dieng missed out through illness. It was one of four changes Carrick made for this one – with injuries to Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney calling for Dan Barlaser and Jonny Howson to also start. Neto Borges returning to the line-up was the only unenforced change.
“You could see that in how we finished because we were still looking dangerous and some of the football towards the end was fantastic and we could have scored even more. It’s really encouraging and it’s good to see the boys playing with that spring in the step.”
Brynn came in for his league debut for Boro as Seny Dieng missed out through illness. It was one of four changes Carrick made for this one – with injuries to Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney calling for Dan Barlaser and Jonny Howson to also start. Neto Borges returning to the line-up was the only unenforced change.
“We spoke over the last couple of days about what it was going to be like weather-wise and dealing with it, and expecting the worst really. We came here with that attitude and finding a way.
“And the boys did that. Jonny and Dan coming in together and not playing a lot of games were fantastic, and everything clicked from there. We looked dangerous, scored goals, and the boys coming off the bench finished the game off and gave us an extra push. I’m delighted.”
While Morris faces an extended spell on the sidelines, Dieng and Hackney are both to be assessed once Boro get back to Teesside. Boro are back in action on Wednesday evening when they host Blackburn Rovers at the Riverside.
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