Middlesbrough have got to stick together, says Aitor Karanka

Middlesbrough looked particularly poor as Palace hauled themselves out of the bottom three to join the visitors on 22 points.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Feb 2017, 05:03 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 12:30 BST
Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha is challenged by Middlesbroughs Adam Forshaw at Selhurst Park (Picture: PA).Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha is challenged by Middlesbroughs Adam Forshaw at Selhurst Park (Picture: PA).
Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha is challenged by Middlesbroughs Adam Forshaw at Selhurst Park (Picture: PA).

The Boro have scored only 19 goals in 26 league fixtures this season, the poorest record in the Premier League, and were so ineffective that at half-time manager Aitor Karanka substituted Alvaro Negredo and replaced him with the equally poor Rudy Gestede.

“In the first half, we didn’t realise how important this game was,” said Karanka. “I don’t know why we didn’t approach the first half like the second, we knew this was a big game for us.

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“The way we approached this game was completely different in the first and second half.

“I don’t want to say they didn’t show the right attitude or commitment. But we know what situation we are in and we have to stick together.”

Sam Allardyce believes Crystal Palace’s improved performance was due to the fortnight’s break they have had from their relegation battle.

They demonstrated increased resilience and belief as Patrick van Aanholt’s first-half goal secured the three vital points that took them out of the drop zone to 17th in the Premier League.

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Their elimination from the FA Cup earlier in the season gave them a break last weekend and two weeks to prepare for Middlesbrough.

Allardyce had previously overseen a disappointing and demanding run of fixtures since his appointment as manager in December, but their improvement at Selhurst Park suggested his influence is finally being felt.

The manager had previously been critical of his squad for not listening to his instructions, but he said: “Our two-week break has worked in our favour.

“We’ve worked very well with the players – it’s given them a lot of thinking time as well as a lot of good training. A lot of the new players can mingle with the lads already here.”

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Allardyce revealed that he has set his team the target of catching 14th-placed Bournemouth, the highest of those clubs he believes are involved in the battle for survival, the 62-year-old claiming: “It’s a seven-team Premier League for us.”

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Tomkins, Sakho, Van Aanholt (Schlupp 87), Milivojevic, Townsend, Cabaye (McArthur 63), Puncheon, Zaha (Dann 88), Christian Benteke. Unused substitutes: Speroni, Campbell, KaiKai, Delaney.

Middlesbrough: Valdes, Da Silva, Ayala, Bernardo, Gibson, Downing, de Roon, Ramirez, Forshaw (Guedioura 61), Negredo (Gestede 46), Stuani (Traore 79). Unused substitutes: Leadbitter, Clayton, Guzan, Fry.

Referee: R Madley (West Yorkshire).

Related topics:MiddlesbroughPremier LeagueSam AllardyceCrystal Palace