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Middlesbrough are the team to beat so far in the Championship, with their latest win showcasing a key attribute to success.
Rob Edwards could hardly have wished for a more impressive start to his tenure as Middlesbrough boss in the Championship after six games, five wins and one draw.
On Friday evening, Middlesbrough beat West Brom 2-1 at the Riverside to extend their unbeaten run at the Baggies’ expense.
David Strelec scored on his first Middlesbrough start, but was withdrawn for Kaly Sene at half-time, to see his replacement double Boro’s lead in the second half.
Aune Heggebo’s late header for West Brom proved to be a consolation goal, but there was one element to Boro’s performance that pleased Edwards, which will be crucial to their promotion prospects.
- READ MORE: Ryan Mason pinpoints where West Brom went wrong vs Middlesbrough as ‘moments’ prove costly
Middlesbrough’s ‘resilience’ will be key to promotion push
After Heggebo’s header got hearts racing around the Riverside as the Baggies searched for a second, the resolute defensive structure of Middlesbrough stood firm to extinguish any hopes of an equaliser.
Edwards was elated with Boro’s “resilience”, and when assessing the game, highlighted Boro’s ability to grind out results, which will be pivotal to their promotion prospects.
As quoted by the Northern Echo, Edwards said: “Really pleased with that (Boro’s resilience in West Brom win).
“We weren’t at our best, but I give credit to West Brom for that. They’re a good team, really well coached with some good players. It was hard.
“But when we’re 2-0 up we don’t have to go chasing the game and we can control the game with or without the ball.
“The last moment changes that slightly. I’d felt relatively secure with the adjustments we’d made.
“Britts (Callum Brittain) got cramp though and wasn’t able to get out to the throw in, which just gave the lad loads of time to get the cross into a dangerous area.
“That makes it a bit nervy for the final five minutes. But, credit to the lads, we showed a lot of resilience tonight, and that was probably my most pleasing thing from tonight.”
In Edwards’ words, winning when “not at our best” is a trait synonymous with champions, and Middlesbrough must continue to exhibit that ability going forward in their promotion push.
- READ MORE: West Brom had already lost to Middlesbrough before kick-off after Ryan Mason’s selection error
Rob Edwards’ style has suited Middlesbrough perfectly
Given the former Luton Town manager’s trademark back-five system with wing-backs, fears about Edwards’ style for Middlesbrough were raised following his appointment.
However, Edwards’ footballing philosophy has proven to suit Middlesbrough perfectly as his side look almost insurmountable thus far.
Boro nullified the attacking talent that West Brom possess by limiting the visiting Baggies to just one shot on target, with Ryan Mason’s side failing to create any big chances.
In the backline, Luke Ayling impressed for Middlesbrough against West Brom, but their structure set by Edwards saw Heggebo isolated and Isaac Price locked down.
Going forward, Boro showcased their ruthless nature in front of goal by scoring two goals from their only two shots on target within the clash.
Strelec dispatched from close range with a deft finish past Josh Griffiths, before Middlesbrough played some liquid football after the interval for Sene’s strike and their second of the evening.
Boro’s rock-solid backline has been equally as impressive as their potent attacking exploits, and adding in their resilient ability to grind out results under pressure, these are all components of their game that will be pivotal to earning top flight status.