Southampton into ninth after victory over abysmal Middlesbrough
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Updated 13/05/2017 at 16:24 GMT
Premier League, The Riverside - Middlesbrough 1 (Bamford 72) Southampton 2 (Rodriguez 42, Redmond 57)
Southampton's Jay Rodriguez celebrates scoring their first goal with Shane Long
Image credit: Reuters
Southampton ended a five-game winless streak to move back into the top half of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over already-relegated Middlesbrough.
Jay Rodriguez’s strike on the stroke of half-time illuminated a first half void of any quality or excitement, and ended the Saints’ barren run of 312 minutes without a goal.
The home side were condemned to relegation after a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night, and their inabilities were highlighted once again as they fell further behind when substitute Nathan Redmond doubled Southampton’s advantage. Shane Long had the chance to inflict further misery on the Teessiders but he blazed over from the penalty spot after Brad Guzan fouled the Irishman.
Patrick Bamford scored his first goal in over two years as Boro were handed a lifeline but they weren’t able to find an equaliser despite a late Calum Chambers opportunity, as Steve Agnew’s side lost their final home game in the Premier League for the foreseeable future. They visit Anfield on the final game of the season while the Saints, who moved into ninth with the win, host Manchester United.
TALKING POINT
Steve Agnew has failed his audition. The Englishman was given the opportunity to salvage Boro’s season in March after Aitor Karanka’s departure, but to say he has messed up the chance presented to him is an understatement. He has picked up a lame six points from a possible 30, and heavily lost to relegation strugglers Hull City. Boro need a new direction as they head towards the Championship, starting from the top.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jay Rodriguez (Southampton): Scored the opening goal and provided the assist for his side’s second with a delightful through ball. Loves playing against Boro: he has scored or assisted four goals in his last five league games against the Teessiders.
PLAYER RATINGS
Middlesbrough: Guzan 5, Fabio 5, Chambers 6, Gibson 6, Friend 6, Clayton 6, Forshaw 6, De Roon 6, Downing 6, Bamford 7, Negredo 6. Subs: Leadbitter 6 Fischer 7.
Southampton: Forster 7, Pied 7, Cáceres 7, Yoshida 7, Bertrand 7, Clasie 6, Romeu 6, Hojbjerg 6, Rodriguez 8, Long 7, Boufal 6. Subs: Davis 6, Austin N/A, Redmond 8.
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Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford celebrates scoring their first goal
Image credit: Reuters
KEY MOMENTS
31’ - CHANCE! Long exchanges the ball with Rodriguez with the former finding space inside the Boro penalty area, but he tries to play a pass to the back post and Guzan is able to make a vital interception.
42’ - GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON ARE AHEAD: The game was crying out for a little bit of quality, and the visitors provide it. Great movement from Long as he's released in a wide area, and he fires a low cross to Rodriguez, who strikes past Guzan.
57’ - GOAL! REDMOND DOUBLES SAINTS' ADVANTAGE: Boos from the home crowd as the Southampton substitute curls the ball past a helpless Guzan. Fabio is caught badly out of position as a through ball from Rodriguez picks out Redmond in acres of space, and he makes no mistake.
62’ - PENALTY TO SOUTHAMPTON! A moment of madness from the Boro goalkeeper as Guzan rushes off his line and trips Long. The referee Anthony Taylor has no choice other than to point to the spot.
63’ - LONG MISSES! - The Irishman sends the goalkeeper the wrong way but his effort has too much zip on it and the ball sails over the crossbar.
73’ - GOAL! BORO HAVE ONE BACK: Bamford, who is starting his first game since March 2016, heads in from Fischer's cross! Finally, something for the young England man and Riverside faithful to cheer.
90'+1 BORO CHANCE! Chambers unleashes a fierce shot at goal but Forster does well to palm the ball behind for a corner.
KEY STATS
- Patrick Bamford scored his first competitive goal since netting for Middlesbrough v Wolves in April 2015 - 760 days ago.
- Nathan Redmond has scored seven goals in the Premier League this term, his best goalscoring season in league competition.
- Jay Rodriguez has scored or assisted four goals in his last five league games against Middlesbrough (three goals, one assist).
- Southampton have won four of their last seven Premier League away games, having won just two of their previous 12 on the road this season.
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