Saturday, September 10, 2005
Boro 2 Arsenal 1
The boss had gone on record in the press conference that served as the official unveiling of Fabio Rochemback and Abel Xavier, stating that this game was the proper start to Boro's season - the transfer window was closed, there had been enough matches to get everyone up to full fitness and it was time to see what we had! The answer to that was a very different looking team - a new left back, with a hairstyle not of this planet, a new midfielder with flair and industry, another breakthrough debut from 18 year old Adam Johnson and a first start in 18 months for Massimo Maccarone, back from the void of 2nd division Italian football.With the nightmare of Charlton hanging over them, facing one of the so-called Big Three was always going to be a big ask, and in the opening 20 minutes it didn't look good, with Jose Reyes terrorising the penalty area in the absence of Thierry Henry and Ugo Egiogu looking less than up for it at the back. But the storm was weathered and towards the half hour momentum was building.
On forty minutes the Yak passed his first in a Boro shirt into the back of the net to make it one nil - a scoreline it was crucial to hang on to till half-time, which we did. After the break it was more Boro than the Gunners, with Rochemback and Parlour bossing the midfield and giving Maccarone the chance to make it two on the hour! The Italian was playing like a completely new player and could have had a hat-trick on another day. Fitting then that he was named man of the match, despite his substitution before the end for a fit again Danny Graham.
Manu Pogatetz also made an appearance in the 2nd half, looking very much the part, to add a little icing to what was becoming a memorable afternoon. Only Reyes' injury time consolation, preventing a deserved clean sheet, dampened the mood slightly. But all in all a magnificent display, beyond many fans expectations...
The thought to focus on now is what a great squad we have got if everyone can stay fit!! Especially in the striking department, with 3 in form men and the old head of Jimmy Floyd and the young legs of Danny Graham to fall back on. 7 points and ahead of Arsenal after five games - that's OK; a platform to build on and a terrific confidence booster ahead of Xanthi on Thursday.
My MOTM:
Massimo Maccarone, closely followed by an increasingly consistent Franck Queudrue.
