Middlesbrough’s three-game winning run came to an end on the weekend as they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers.
Boro had been on a late charge towards the play-off positions and had wind in their sails heading into the clash, but a draw has left them seven points adrift of sixth-paced Norwich City, who beat Stoke City, convincingly.
Michael Carrick‘s side had more of the ball and the greater number of attempts, though, they failed to make their endeavour amount to anything.
Speaking after the game, the former Manchester United assistant was evidently frustrated and seemed well aware of the huge chance missed to apply pressure on their play-off rivals.
Michael Carrick on what ‘frustrated’ him
Boro now have a seven-point gap to close in the remaining eight games of the season if they are to realise their top-six aspirations.
Carrick, speaking post-match, said: “I’m frustrated really, I think it was one of those games where we needed a moment and couldn’t quite find it, whether it was the pass or the finish. There was some alright football in between the boxes and we defended the box alright, but couldn’t quite find the moment.
“There’s a cluster of games but it’s what we’re used to so I don’t think that’s a reason for it. Tuesday-Saturday is fine, there’s plenty of time to recover. I thought we started alright and looked bright and dangerous and had a couple of opportunities that didn’t quite go in for us, then we lacked quality after that and didn’t have the moment to make a difference.”
Lacking quality seems to be where Boro came up short, and following the departure of Morgan Rogers in January, they’re evidently less threatening in attack.
Michael Carrick needs to be backed
Boro’s hopes of returning to the top flight were dealt a huge blow on Saturday and it looks as though they’ll be remaining in the Championship for another season, barring a miraculous run-in.
Either way, whatever division they find themselves in, Carrick has to be backed in the summer and can’t afford to lose any more key assets.
Having lost Rogers and last term’s top scorer Chuba Akpom in the last two windows, The Boro boss has been left with a weaker squad and can’t be expected to replicate a 4th-placed finish.
Clearly, with greater resources, Carrick has shown he can propel the club into contention for promotion, so that has to be the focus at the end of the campaign.
Quite simply, Boro need more quality.