Five things we learned from Middlesbrough v Leeds United

FOR a plethora of towns in the North Riding whose allegiances are roughly split between Middlesbrough and Leeds United, there was joy and pain in equal measure yesterday afternoon.
Diego Fabbrini beats Leeds United goalkeeper Sivestri to score Boro's third goal.Diego Fabbrini beats Leeds United goalkeeper Sivestri to score Boro's third goal.
Diego Fabbrini beats Leeds United goalkeeper Sivestri to score Boro's third goal.

For Leeds, some efficient form on the road was shattered to pieces as they suffered their toughest away-day so far this calendar year.

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For Boro, there were developments that few would have envisaged at the first whistle, with more weathered Teessiders no doubt preparing themselves for another rough old afternoon against Leeds, whose record at the Riverside was the stuff of legion. For the Whites at any rate.

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The upshot is that Boro clinched just their second home win over Leeds since August 1992, albeit helped by some defending that was worthy of charitable status along the way in a comprehensive 3-0 verdict.

Here’s five things we have learned from yesterday’s game at the Riverside.

1: Liam Cooper must return at the back for Leeds.

Handed his chance in the back four, Giuseppe Bellusci had the sort of afternoon that will be down in United infamy. Not quite on the Paul Rachubka levels in THAT defeat to Blackpool, but you are not in a totally different ball park either. The Italian produced a disastrous performance, right from the moment he showed indecision which enabled David Nugent to fire Boro again early on.

The kamikaze header which he planted past Mirco Silvestri on 33 minutes was the sort of episode when you had to scratch your head and let time stop for at least five seconds before fully comprehending that it had all actually just happened.

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Bellusci’s presence destabilised the United backline, with it perhaps no coincidence that Sol Bamba, playing on the left-hand side of central defence, also looked uneasy and gifted Boro a late third.

It was actually a surprise that Bellusci lasted the game and that Cooper didn’t enter the fray. That he needs to return to the line-up against Birmingham on Saturday is without question.

2: Boro are ruthless in both boxes and get the job done.

The sign of a good side is one who don’t play particularly well and win.

Boro were the epitome of that on Sunday. After starting out with riproaring intent and getting an early goal, the Teessiders controlled parts of the first half, but were steady as opposed to spectacular.

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Their organisation and game management was impressive, with Dimi Konstantopoulos solid in goal with the back line of Ayala, Amorebieta, Kalas and Friend a strong unit in front of him. When they needed to clear their lines, they did not mess about, while in front of them, the likes of Adam Clayton scrapped and harried and up top, David Nugent worked his proverbial socks off.

Boro weren’t free-flowing, but were tactically adept and resolute. Their position high in the table is no surprise.

3: Leeds should not beat themselves up too much - in general play going forward, they were decent.

The ironic thing about Sunday is that Leeds arguably played better than they did going forward at MK Dons the previous week, when they produced a smash and grab win.

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Jordan Botaka enjoyed an encouraging debut, suggesting he can make an impact this season, while Alex Mowatt had his moments in a zestful performance which was more like his old self. Mirco Antenucci also assumed responsibility in the absence of the injured Chris Wood and also did well in an unaccustomed role up front on his own. He looked a threat and really should have been awarded a goal. Who knows what we have happened if that goal had been awarded? It certainly would have been interesting.

4: David Nugent may not be the same predatory bracket as Jordan Rhodes, but he is the real Championship deal.

Boro opted for a seasoned operator in Nugent after hitting a brick wall in their summer efforts to sign Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn. While Rhodes brings the cast-iron promise of goals - but perhaps not that much else, Nugent is a more rounded forward. While his goals input won’t be quite his high as Rhodes, he makes up for it in other areas. His strength, nous and persistence were there for all to see at the Riverside and while the Leeds central defence shot themselves in the foot, he did not give them a moments peace.

His work ethic was prodigious and he does not look to have too many weaknesses. Decent in the air, with a yard of pace and also strong and adept at holding the ball up and bringing others into play. Can finish too. He is the sort of player who opposing fans look at and think: ‘He could do a real job for our side.’ If he has a strong season, Boro have a great chance of getting over the line.

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5: Leeds simply must get back on track against Birmingham on Saturday. A win is a must.

After a frustrating afternoon on Teesside, Leeds need to close ranks and regroup before Saturday, which is a big game for the players and Uwe Rosler ahead of another two-week international hiatus.

The encouraging proponents of Sunday - dominant second half performance, decent debut for Botaka, with Antenucci and Mowatt also catching the eye - need to be taken and build upon. At the back, Leeds need to get back to basics. Win headers and tackles and keep defensive shape and discipline and communication levels high and if the ball needs to get into Row Z, so be it. Leeds will need to man up at the back on Saturday and need their characters to come to the fore or else it could be a long, long old afternoon.

Recent performances at Elland Road have been fitful and Leeds will head into the game under some pressure. But coping with pressure is something that, as Rosler rightly says, all successful Leeds players must have in their DNA. We will find out on Saturday that is for sure.