Middlesbrough surged into seventh place in the Championship with a 4-1 victory over a struggling QPR side, adding to the woes of Rangers’ manager Marti Cifuentes.
Two quick-fire goals from Riley McGree and Tommy Conway in the first half set Boro firmly in control, as QPR’s winless streak at home extended to eight games.
First-Half Brilliance Gives Boro the Edge
Despite a competitive start, it was Middlesbrough who struck first, breaking the deadlock when Ben Doak’s sharp pass found McGree at the near post, where he slotted home his season opener. Just minutes later, Conway finished a slick team effort, with Luke Ayling finding Finn Azaz on the right flank, who set up Conway to double the lead before halftime.
QPR struggled to capitalize on their own chances, thwarted repeatedly by Boro’s keeper Seny Dieng, who made several critical saves to maintain the visitors’ two-goal lead heading into the break.
Drama Unfolds in the Second Half
The momentum shifted when an unfortunate own goal by Anfernee Dijksteel gave QPR a glimmer of hope with 20 minutes remaining. However, Carrick’s strategic substitutions paid off, with Emmanuel Latte Lath and Dan Barlaser coming off the bench to seal Boro’s victory. Latte Lath twice rounded QPR’s keeper Paul Nardi to restore a comfortable two-goal cushion, before Barlaser added a final touch of class with a curled shot into the bottom corner during added time.
QPR’s attempts to rally were further hampered by the loss of Ilias Chair to a knee injury just before halftime, adding to an already lengthy list of sidelined players and compounding the team’s struggles.
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick praised his team’s resilience, saying:
“We had to work for it. QPR didn’t make it easy, but the quality of some of the goals was outstanding. We showed character and composure to close the game.”
Carrick’s Winning Formula Continues
With this win, Carrick’s side sit just outside the playoff spots, their surge in form underpinned by a mix of defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Their recent momentum has fans optimistic, especially with the bench strength that proved decisive in this match.
Writer’s View
Middlesbrough’s resurgence under Michael Carrick is not only lifting them up the table but also highlighting the depth and adaptability of their squad. The effective use of substitutions and the steady influence of goalkeeper Dieng indicate a team that’s hitting its stride, while QPR’s continued home struggles suggest a hard road ahead for Marti Cifuentes.
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