Middlesbrough fans can’t believe David Strelec’s first Boro start as Kaly Sene shines vs West Brom

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The Slovakian international couldn’t have wished for a better first Middlesbrough start in the 2-1 win against West Brom on Friday evening.

Middlesbrough signed David Strelec in the summer window for £6.5m from Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava, and it took the new boy only 26 minutes to score on his first Boro start.

Strelec didn’t touch the ball for the first 17 minutes against West Brom, but he came to life shortly after with Luke Ayling’s flick-on from a George Edmundson long throw into the Baggies’ box.

On his second outing for Middlesbrough, Strelec stole a march on his opposite number nine Aune Heggebo to dispatch a deft finish past Josh Griffiths to break the deadlock, but was surprisingly withdrawn at half-time by Rob Edwards.

Middlesbrough went on to beat West Brom 2-1, and the Boro faithful were understandably ecstatic – and baffled – regarding Strelec’s evening.

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Middlesbrough fans react to David Strelec’s home debut vs West Brom

Strelec made his first appearance in Middlesbrough’s 2-2 draw with Preston North End, and Edwards gave the Slovakian international the nod from the start against West Brom.

Middlesbrough fans wanted Strelec to start against Ryan Mason’s side, and the Teesside faithful got their wish thanks to Edwards.

Despite breaking the deadlock with a deft finish past Baggies goalkeeper Griffiths, his sparkling first Riverside showing was short-lived.

Edwards withdrew Strelec at half-time, and it remains to be seen whether his decision to bring on Kaly Sene in his place was enforced or voluntary.

The Boro fans were elated on social media by his performance before his Riverside debut ended at half-time.

One Boro fan remarked after Strelec’s goal: “I used to pray for times like this”.

One Middlesbrough fan posted: “Think he’ll bag 20+ this season!”.

Another fan added: “He’s going to be huge for Boro this season”.

Unfortunately for the Teesside faithful, Strelec was withdrawn at the interval, which spawned vast confusion and fear for the fanbase.

“Please don’t be injured”, said one Middlesbrough fan, as another posted: “Odd move”.

Another Boro fan added: “Please don’t start making half time subs for the sake of it Rob”.

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Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough substitution proved to be a masterstroke

Strelec was replaced by Sene, who then scored his first Middlesbrough goal since arriving from Swiss outfit Lausanne in the summer window, with a resounding low finish to cap off a brilliant Boro move.

Although Strelec’s first start for Middlesbrough was cut-short at half-time by Edwards, the Slovakian star’s prolific nature in front of goal was clear.

Strelec scored with his only touch inside the opposition box, and his only shot on target, with his performance set to strike fear into second tier defences.

After Middlesbrough’s impressive summer transfer window, the strength in depth for Edwards’ squad was epitomised by Sene making an instant impact from the bench against West Brom.

Although six games is a small sample size, early pace-setters Middlesbrough have firmly established themselves as current title favourites after their comprehensive victory over the Baggies.