Everton hold Middlesbrough to another stalemate

Middlesbrough’s winless run in the Premier League was extended to eight games as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton.

The Teessiders - who haven’t tasted victory since December 17 - were the better side throughout a tense afternoon at the Riverside but once again their lack of proficiency in front of goal cost Aitor Karanka’s side a crucial three points in their relegation battle.

Boro’s best opportunities of the afternoon came in the second half when Alvaro Negredo headed agonisingly over before substitute Rudy Gestede forced Joel Robles into a top-class save.

Everton scored six at Bournemouth last time out but Ronald Koeman’s charges produced a characterless and aimless performance on this occasion.

Romelu Lukaku netted four in that famous victory over the Cherries but the Belgian looked off the pace in Middlesbrough and he squandered Everton’s best opportunity in the first-half when he was denied by Victor Valdes who also did well to save a couple of Ademola Lookman’s efforts.

Boro introduced the unsettled Gaston Ramirez for the Uruguayan's first appearance in over a month for the closing stages but still the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough and in the end both sides had to settle for a point.

The draw means 15th placed Middlesbrough remain two points above the drop zone while Everton consolidate seventh position.

Given their position, Middlesbrough’s defensive record is quite simply amazing but their troubles in front of goal continue to be a problem. Boro stretched the Everton rearguard, which looked increasingly vulnerable, but still couldn’t add to their total of 19 goals this term. On another day the hosts may have paid the ultimate price for their missed chances but fortunately, for the Teessiders, they came up against a disinterested Romelu Lukaku who wasn't up for a cold and miserable day in the North East.

Alvaro Negredo (Middlesbrough) – The Spaniard was left isolated as his side’s lone striker but he worked tirelessly and his hold-up play brought others into play.

Middlesbrough: Valdes 7, Chambers, 7 Bernardo 6, Gibson 6, Fabio 6, Clayton 7, Forshaw 5, De Roon 6, Traore 7, Stuani 5, Negredo 7. Subs: Gestede 6, Ramirez 6, Guedioura 5.

Everton: Joel 7, Baines 7, Funes Mori 5, Williams 6, Coleman 6, Gana 6, Schneiderlin 6, Davies 7, Lookman 7, Barkley 5, Lukaku 5. Subs: Lennon 5, Barry 5, Valencia 5.

30’ - GREAT CHANCE! Bernardo gifts the ball to Davies who plays in Lukaku behind the Boro defence but the Belgian striker is denied by a terrific low save from Valdes.

40’ - SAVE! Once again Coleman is played into space and he delivers a cross to the back post, the ball is bundled to Lookman whose shot is blocked by the feet of Valdes.

47’ - CLOSE! Traore leaves three players in his wake before curling the ball at goal and it's only a whisker wide. The winger still hasn't scored this term but that's as close as he's come.

64’ - OFF-THE-LINE! Gibson rises highest to meet the corner delivery but the defender's header is cleared off the line by Baines! So close for Boro who could really do with three points here.

69’ - SAVE! A brilliant reverse pass from Barkley plays through Lookman but the attacker can't find a way past Valdes who saves with his feet.

80’ - CLOSE! Negredo is inches away from finding the net as he heads just wide from a lovely Fabio in-swinger.