Johnson signs

The deal that many expected was finally confirmed just before the transfer deadline this afternoon as we landed Adam Johnson for an undisclosed fee:

The Club is delighted to announce that Adam Johnson has joined us from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee after agreeing terms and passing a medical this afternoon.

The former England Under-21 winger, who has signed a contract until June 2014, steps straight into Roberto Mancini's squad against Hull on Saturday. He will wear the traditional No.11.

Johnson, who played 19 games for England Under-21s and scored four goals, has played 96 times for Boro, scoring 13 times and making a firm impression on the game's shrewdest judges.

Although it was confirmed as an undisclosed fee, the MEN are suggesting it is in the region of an initial £6million, rising to £10 million with add-ons. Although Johnson was out of contract in the summer, given his age (meaning we would have had to have paid a compensatory figure anyway) and undoubted potential it is a fair figure.

I am excited about the move. Johnson is very highly thought of in the game and impressed in our FA Cup meeting before being forced off through injury. He had his path blocked a little by Stewart Downing early in his career and spent time on loan at both Leeds and Watford but returned for the 2008/09 season where he made twenty-six appearances in Middlesbrough's relegation campaign.

Interestingly enough, Johnson has often featured on the right wing (or 'off-wing') - something that Mancini (amongst many others at the moment) is fond of utilising and far from him being banished to the reserves my view is that he will see plenty of playing time over the remainder of the season.

A further point to consider is the potential effect this could have on Martin Petrov's future. Out of contract in the summer of course, he has often been linked with moves away from the club (with rumours today of a move to Everton) and perhaps this signing pushes the Bulgarian closer to the exit door?

Johnson bid 'increased'

Sky Sports News understands that Manchester City have made an improved offer for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

City made a move for the talented 22-year-old earlier in the week, only for Boro boss Gordon Strachan to reject the approach.

Although Johnson is understood to want the chance to hold transfer talks, Boro, for now, hold the key to his short-term future.

>>skysports.com.

As I posted previously, I expected an increased bid from us and would be confident of it being successful. Middlesbrough, I'm sure, would take a bid in the region of £6 million as opposed to seeing him walk when his contract expires in the summer.

It always amazes me though quite why deals are left until the very end of the transfer window, and unless we can get a fee agreed soon we run the danger of not being able to complete by tomorrow's 5pm deadline.

Johnson bids rejected

Although reports last night appeared to be confident in seeing us land Adam Johnson, the suggestion today is that it may not be so cut and dried.

Sky Sports are quoting Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan as having dismissed all bids outright for him:

"We have had verbal offers in the last week for Adam, but nothing has changed," said Strachan. Adam is still here and I would expect him still to be here for the last 19 games of the season."

I believe that despite Middlesbrough being relegated from the Premier League last season, they are on a relatively sound footing financially so a requirement to sell may not be as pressing as it is with Crystal Palace and Victor Moses.

Alternatively, it could merely be an attempt to see interested parties up their bid with the closing of the transfer window ever nearer.

Johnson bid reported

Manchester City will attempt to get over their Carling Cup disappointment by signing England Under-21 star Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough.

It is understood the Blues have lodged a bid for Johnson and they hope to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window.

Johnson scored twice for Boro in their victory over Doncaster on Tuesday night but has been touted for a move away from the Riverside since the Teessiders were relegated last season.

>>MEN.

With the focus soon to shift away from the Carling Cup and derby games, potential transfers and likely targets will fall back under the spotlight and this is one that has been reported almost immediately following tonight's game.

Johnson was an impressive figure during the early stages of the recent FA Cup tie and comes with a big reputation. No doubt he would be an option on the left hand side to fill the gap in the squad created by Robinho's imminent departure.

Would this mean a possible move for Crystal Palace's Victor Moses may no longer be forthcoming though?

Middlesbrough reaction

I anticipated that one or two youngters would see some significant action today and whilst we have seen Vladimir Weiss before, it was a first glimpse of Dedryck Boyata - and the first look was an impressive one. He tackled well, was comfortable on the ball and had a confidence about him that belied his young age.

After the victory, Mancini was quick to praise the debutant:

“This was Dedryck’s first chance to shine at this level and I thought he did very well. The game will have given him confidence and helped him mentally to know that he is part of the squad.

For me both young players have bright futures and that is not just good for them but also the club. It is important to me and to the owners and to the fans as well that we continue to bring players through our Academy.”

And on the victory itself:

"Benjani is a good player, and we brought him in three days ago and today he played well and scored and that is important," said Mancini.

"I am very happy with the win, for the players and the supporters."It is an important competition, Middlesbrough played well and after we scored, we played well."

Middlesbrough ratings

Given - Couldn't have wished for a more comfortable afternoon. 6.5

Zabaleta - Solid in defence and purposeful going forward. 7

Richards - Went off at half time but handled anything that came his way. 6.5

Boyata - A solid debut indeed. Tackles well and has an air of confidence about his game. 7.5

Garrido - Comfortable on the ball and saw plenty of it. 7

Weiss - Showed flashes but tried too hard at times. 6

de Jong - Not overly tested but did the right things. 6.5

Kompany - Operated both in midfield and defence, equally at home in both. 7

Sylvinho - An unfamiliar role but performed well. 6.5

Petrov - The star for me. Attacked well, brought others into the game and set up the winner. 8

Benjani - Isolated in the first half, but worked hard and a nice finish. 7

Subs:

Tevez - Lively as usual. Went close once or twice and should have got on the scoresheet. 7

Barry - Steady as ever and kept things simple. 7

Bellamy - Twenty minute run out but never quite made an impact. 6

Middlesbrough 0 City 1

Solid and unspectacular it may have been, but given some of the shambolic cup exits witnessed in recent years a routine FA Cup 3rd round win (against a bogey side) was very welcome.

It wasn't a performance that will live long in the memory, but it was a game that we controlled with the instruction to retain possession again very evident. Middlesbrough - brief flashed from Adam Johnson (until he was forced off injured) aside - offered little throughout the ninety minutes. So much so that Shay Given didn't not have to make a save during the game.

Despite comments prior to the game, Roberto Mancini opted for a much changed line-up with Dedryck Boyata partnering Richards in defence, whilst Vladimir Weiss got the start in midfield. Benjani came in from the wilderness to operate as a lone striker and cut an isolated figure for the most part in the first half, but it was his finish that decided the outcome. Petrov, marauding from midfield, cut inside before playing Benjani in behind the Middlesbrough defence for the Zimbabwean to neatly slot home on the stroke of half time.

Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez were introduced at half-time as Mancini switched to a 4-4-2, and his willingness to alter formation and personnel was something we again witnessed. Petrov and Weiss interchanged during the game and Sylvinho operated as a central midfielder at times, showing that Mancini is not restricted to making changes to counter an opponents threat. The introduction of Tevez of course brought more spark to our play, and we could have added another goal or two with Tevez himself culpable of missing a golden opportunity to extend the lead.

With Wednesday very much in mind, the game really couldn't have gone much better. A winning performance that didn't require too much exertion, key players for Wednesday not playing more than a half and (so far at least) no new injuries to report.

Job done and into the draw for round 4. My prediction? Aston Villa at home.

Middlesbrough preview

Roberto Mancini has stressed the importance of this game and to avoid looking ahead to the Carling Cup semi-final next week, and if we put some form together over the second half of the season in our pursuit of a top four spot, we could well have some success in this years FA Cup tournament as a result.

Mancini has stated he will field a full strength line-up, and this may well largely be down to a lack of alternatives given our current injury problems. The bench should have a youthful feel to it, and one or two will probably see some significant action.

Micah Richards will likely move across to the centre to partner Vincent Kompany (for the first time I believe) with Javi Garrido getting the start at left back. I doubt Craig Bellamy gets risked though given the importance of Wednesday night and concerns over his knee. Although an away game, Robinho may get a further opportunity up front alongside Tevez if Mancini opts for a 4-4-2 formation.

Middlesbrough have particularly struggled at home this season since their relegation and have yet to really fire under Gordon Strachan, losing four of their past five games. Yet our record away to Middlesbrough is not a good one and recent form is that the home side triumphs.

Mancini has quickly built some momentum during the short time he has been in charge though, and the side have looked purposeful in the two games so far. Given that a replay is something we could really do without, I think we come away with the victory - although there will likely not be much in it.

FA Cup 3rd round draw

CITY will be away to Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, in January.

The tie will take place on the first weekend of the New Year with a date and kick-off to be announced on mcfc.co.uk as soon as television schedules have been confirmed. Ticket details will then be published.

>>mcfc.co.uk

An away tie against a bogey side is not the ideal draw you want.

That said, it is one that we should progress from.

Full draw.

City 1 Middlesbrough 0

Manchester City 1 Middlesbrough 0

Saturday February 7, 2009, 12.45pm
City of Manchester Stadium - Att: 40, 558

[MEN report, telegraph.co.uk report, guardian.co.uk report, evening gazette report]

A hard fought and well deserved 1-0 victory, which wasn't without a wobble or two along the way though.

One of the issues I raised when Shay Given was signed was how many points he would 'win' us, and whilst it wasn't a backs to the wall type of performance, there were two or three occasions where Given did prevent certain goals from being scored. Also noticeable was the quality of his kicking and he definitely turned in an impressive debut.

Equally impressive was Craig Bellamy. He led the line well, with his enthusiasm and approach seemingly infecting his colleagues. It was noticeable today how high tempo we were when not in posession of the ball, constantly closing down and pressuring Middlesbrough (particularly in the first half) and this approach led to us forcing errors and turnovers that turned into opportunities for ourselves.

We dominated the first half in terms of possession and territory, with Middlesbrough approaching the game precisely in the manner I expected. We carved out plenty of opportunities but failed to find the killer ball or final pass to breach the Middlesbrough defence.

Starting the second half 0-0 could have led to frustration so Bellamy's winner was a timely one. A neat build saw Bellamy cut in from the right with not much on but get away from Pogatetz and finish nicely passed Brad Jones.

At 1-0 though there is always the danger of allowing your opponents back into the game and one or two defensive lapses were almost critical, but Given stood tall and earned his man of the match accolades.

The final minutes of the game petered out as Middlesbrough struggled to create, but space in their defence allowed substitute Caicedo (on for Robinho) a couple of opportunities that he was unable to finish.

There are signs however that Mark Hughes is beginning to put his stamp on to the side, and in addition to the majority of his signings now making up the side, the approach and performance struck as being exactly as Hughes has been seeking over the course of the season.

The win saw us post our fourth consecutive victory and put more distance between ourselves and the sides at the bottom. What is going to be important though is to translate the performances and results at home to our away games where we continue to struggle.

If we can do this, an assault on the top six may not be out of the question.

City v Middlesbrough open thread

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City v Middlesbrough preview

[bbc sport preview, MEN preview]

We go into the game bidding for four successive home wins and must be odds on favourites to do so.

Prior to the defeat against Stoke last weekend there were very real signs that progress was being made and that we could string a decent run of form and results together. Our home record has in the main been good this season and a confidence boosting win would be timely indeed.

Middlesbrough come into the game in the midst of a wretched run of form, winless in twelve and having failed to score in six of their last seven. Keeping a clean sheet has been key for us this season, posting a 100% record in games where we shut out the opposition.

Tomorrow should see a debut for Shay Given, whilst Shaun Wright-Phillips has been cleared to play following his FA charge. Middlesbrough are boosted by the returns of midfielders Didier Digard and Gary O'Neil after they both completed suspensions but defender Andrew Taylor and striker Jeremie Aliadiere (both ankle) remain on the Boro casualty list.

As Mark Hughes points out, Middlesbrough will clearly set out to make life difficult for us, something that hs been our undoing on occasion. Patience will need to be the watchword and it may not be a much of spectacle at times.

However, I take us to have enough quality to take all three points, and post a clean sheet on Shay Given's debut with a 2-0 win.

Game notes:

• Middlesbrough have won more Premier League matches against us than any other club; 11.
• We hold a 100% record when keeping a Premier League clean sheet.
• We have won our last home games against North-East opponents.
• Middlesbrough have lost five consecutive away games.

Middlesbrough 2 City 0

"It is that consistency we are looking for and we're trying to get back-to-back wins but we are finding it a little bit difficult on our travels at the moment.

"We need to back up good performances at home with resolute performances away from home and at times we are leaving ourselves a little bit too exposed."

>>Mark Hughes.

We are certainly fast becoming a Jekyll and Hyde team, excellent at home but stuttering away from home and it is a little concerning that Hughes does not seem to have identified the specific reasons for our poor away form.

Whilst we have comfortably beaten sides at home that we were expected to (Portsmouth, West Ham and Stoke), away from home has seen us slip up recently at Wigan and Middlesbrough - where a point should have been the minimum return.

Hughes did try a revamp to the back line last night, bringing in Nedum Onouha at right-back with Micah Richards moving across to the left, with Hughes explaining thus:

“We needed to be a little bit more solid defensively. I think away from home at times we’ve left ourselves a little bit exposed.

“I was looking for a bit more solidity at the back that I think he provided. We looked okay but at other times we looked like a team that hasn’t really had a settled back four all year.

“That’s something that’s been a problem for us, so we’re trying to get the right balance of the guys back there that will enable us to have a defensive platform to be able to bring in the attack minded players they have in front of them.”

Whilst I get the move to take out a less defensive minded player in Garrido, I fail to see that Richards playing there is a move that will shore up the defence in any way. Far preferable would have been Ben Haim moving there with either Onouha or Richards partnering Dunne. I think it is clear that a left-back will be firmly on Hughes's shopping list come January.

Elsewhere, it seems that Shaun Wright-Phillips may be dragged in front of the FA for his reaction to Gareth Southgate (picture here) after he 'won' a free-kick during the game.

Whilst we were unfortunate with the penalty decision and a couple of smart saves from Ross Turnbull, what is of concern is our record when falling behind. Three league games (Aston Villa, Wigan and now Middlesbrough) that we have failed to take even a point from - something that I imagine Hughes will also seek to address in the next couple of months.

Reports

To dismiss Manchester City as inconsistent would be a damaging slur. No other club so routinely bemuses their supporters, who must occasionally crave the humdrum reassurance of a goalless draw, while a habit of losing on Teesside in traumatic circumstances has now been established. The scoreline and the personnel may have changed, but the result remains the same. >>timesonline.

ON the Riverside Stadium turf where Juninho’s every trick was once worshipped, Manchester City’s very own little Brazilian was stifled while compatriot Afonso Alves emerged as Middlesbrough’s match-winner.>>northern echo.

CITY'S rampant inconsistency reared its head again at the Riverside - though they were hardly helped by the officials. >>MEN.

England international Shaun Wright-Phillips was at the centre of controversy after being involved in an angry touchline exchange with Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate.>>telegraph.co.uk

Manchester City's last trip to Middlesbrough ended in ignominy. This resulted in acrimony. After the 8-1 demolition that brought an end to Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign, last night's 2-0 defeat was notable for Mark Hughes' criticism of referee Lee Mason and Shaun Wright-Phillips' two-fingered reaction to the words of the Gareth Southgate on the touchline. >>guardian.co.uk

Middlesbrough open thread

Open thread for the Middlesbrough game for anyone to post comments, news or updates.

Trouble at The Riverside

Cleveland Police have confirmed one of their officers needed hospital treatment after violent scenes towards the end of Middlesbrough's 8-1 victory over Manchester City at the weekend.

A section of City fans clashed with police and stewards during the final minutes of the match.

Ugly scenes saw seats ripped out and thrown at officers before dog handlers helped get the situation under control, an incident which delayed the end of season parade by Boro's players.

Match commander Martin Campbell has revealed that one of his officers was taken to hospital.

>>sky sports

I didn't catch much of this story until today when the news reports started filtering through, but it seems that the police are firmly pointing the finger at City fans for the incident:

"After a full debrief and having spoken to a club steward, it appears that towards the end of the game a visiting fan removed a 4ft long metal safety barrier which was in place to prevent access to the pitch," he said.

"Fearing that it could be used as a weapon or to gain access on to the playing area, an officer removed this barrier and a skirmish then took place, spreading into other areas of the crowd.

"At this point officers began to come under attack as seats were pulled off and a number of police officers were struck by seats, one fully in the face.

"Police reinforcements were immediately called into the ground. Other officers suffered minor injuries, with only one requiring hospital treatment for an injury to his hand.

"I would like to praise the match referee who did an excellent job; it seems he was fully aware of the unfolding events and he ensured that players were swiftly removed from the pitch at the end of the game.

"Middlesbrough supporters too were extremely well natured and I'd like to praise them too. It is a shame that such a fantastic end to the season and what was always intended to be a great family occasion was marred by the behaviour of a small minority."

I've not dug up any photos on flickr, but YouTube has bits of 'citizen journalism' posted up, mainly from City fans who are far more accusatory towards the police.

Middlesbrough 8 City 1

Wow.

Sometimes when I make predictions ahead of games, they do have a habit of bearing out. Or at least partially. I wrote yesterday that with the pressure off we may see something of an open and flowing game. More's the pity that only one side followed that direction.

There isn't anyone involved yesterday that can come out of the farcical defeat with any credit whatsoever. This wasn't just a heavy defeat like those we have suffered in the past - Derby, Liverpool and Chelsea immediately spring to mind, but the manner of the performance was woeful and has left City fans across the blogs and forums pointing the finger at all and sundry.

Of the eight goals conceded yesterday, only Rochemback's free-kick was without a generous helping hand from ourselves, with the eighth and final goal symptomatic of the error strewn and insipid display. Time and again, we were carved open and destroyed by a Middlesbrough side who are far from an attacking force.

I've never been one to place too high a premium on heart and fight in a performance, and I believe this to be something City fans in general are too concerned with but yesterday's struck as one where the players had simply given up - no matter what the situation on or off the pitch is, there should be a pride and professionalism in your performance that was sorely lacking.

I have backed Sven all the way since his appointment, and during the stretch where fans were beginning to question him and his tactics. However, yesterday he was as guilty as the players were. The situation must clearly be unsettling and he has held himself with dignity and decorum throughout the past couple of week but he simply appeared to have thrown in the towel and resigned himself to his fate.

At the saga over at Liverpool, we have heard the manager and players bleating about how it doesn't affect the on field performances. Despite the failings of the players and management yesterday, Thaksin must also bear the brunt of criticism as you cannot preside over what has occured the past two weeks without their being consequences.

With a set of players who are reportedly so close and loyal to Sven to not be affected by the speculation and stories is inconceivable and it is of concern that players Sven has both brought in and developed this season may well seek to move onto pastures new when he departs the club.

What is disappointing in this of course is that with a win yesterday (or even a draw), we would have had a reasonable and respectable finish with a squad that contains talent, plenty of upside youth wise and even if Sven departs, the new manager would have a positive situation to build upon with (almost certain) European qualification.

Oh how it was different last summer when the club rode the wave of optimism of the Thaksin and Sven arrivals and the heady autumn days of the ill-fated Champions League challenge.

Now though, finishing the season on the back of an 8-1 shellacking we are stumbling into the off-season with the club (and its reputation) in tatters on and off the pitch.

An owner who at best insensitive and trigger-happy, a lame duck manager (who surely will not survive now) still in charge but appearing to be courting offers from elsewhere for when the axe falls and a squad of players who seemingly lack heart when it matters - and according to the more mischeavous of the press, containing players who are targets for clubs around the Premier League.

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.

Reports

Sven-Goran Eriksson wore the haunted look of a man who knew his time was up after watching Manchester City suffer a humiliating defeat at Middlesbrough, a result which is almost certain to hasten his departure from Eastlands. >>telegraph.co.uk

If this proves to be Sven-Göran Eriksson’s swansong as Manchester City manager, then what a shame. >>times online

In the bizarre mind-set of Thaksin Shinawatra, this demolition of Manchester City will have been vindication of his plans to dismiss Sven Goran Eriksson and the Swede was last night seeking immediate talks with the former Thai prime-minister. >>independent.co.uk

The off-the-field farce that has been Manchester City for the past few weeks found its way on to the pitch as their season ended in disarray with the side humiliated and Sven-Goran Eriksson heading for the exit. >>guardian.co.uk

Manchester City supporters around the world are searching for explanations after a thoroughly disastrous, preposterous defeat to a mediocre Middlsebrough 8-1 in the season closer Sunday. >>thaksinsceptic

Opinion: Being born in Newton Heath, the birthplace of MUFC, why did my Dad make me support Man City? That is probably a question on many lips. >>mcfcstats.co.uk

Middlesbrough prediction

So, the final day of another season is upon us and we go into the game at The Riverside with the added bonus of being certainties for entry into The UEFA Cup by virtue of being the Fair Play nominee.

Ironic of course, that given Sven is hovering over the precipice of the sack, he now will seemingly (although slightly foruitiously) of not only delivering year 1 of his pledge, but also year 2 by achieving UEFA qualification.

The situation with Sven is still very much up in the air, with Scolari still stalling, and links now to both Mourinho and Rijkaard. Sven himself expects the sack, but has pushed for a quick decision to it all.

Lest we forget there is actually a game today, amidst all of the likely protests and support for Sven, and whilst the pressure is off for both sides there is the hope that the game may well turn into a fairly good spectacle.

I shouldn't expect too many changes for ourselves, although Eriksson has confirmed that Andreas Isaksson will get the start in goal today, but Onouha, Richards and Bojinov are still sidelined.

Looking at the table, there is the opportunity for us to finish eighth with a win and defeat for Portsmouth but when all is said and today I expect a 1-1 draw from today which will see us finish in ninth position, exactly as predicted back in August.

City 3 Middlesbrough 1

Things just keep on getting better.

A fifth straight home victory keeps us well placed in the top three, and perhaps importantly, results elsewhere see us put further distance between ourselves and the teams who will likely be realistic challengers for the European positions.

Three more goals left fans and pundits praising the manner of the performance, with a new king ready to be annointed as Elano once again had the usually reticent Eriksson praising him as he has now well and truly burst on to the national consciousness.

I found it ironic that it was Gareth Southgate - believed to be behind the 'we needed Churchill, we got Ian Duncan-Smith' put down when describing an Eriksson England team-talk, who was the manager who has to turn around a half-time deficit, which of course he failed to do. I think it is clear that Southgate is struggling as a manager - and very much like Stuart Pearce proved, the Premiership is no place for a rookie to be cutting his teeth. Shorn of attacking options in Yakubu and Viduka, I don't envisage Southgate lasting the season.

Following his thunderous free-kick last week, Elano followed this up with a beautifully crafted finished from outside the area following a cheeky back heel from Michael Johnson, and a free-kick which for me surpassed the Newcastle effort. It was perfectly placed and weighted, the ball seeming to almost float into the net as if carried along by a gentle breeze - leaving Schwarzer grasping around to try and keep it out - all to no avail. It was something that I rewound and watched again and again on MOTD2 last night.

As we approach the quarter mark of the season, it is clear that the team is beginning to gel as the players become a lot fitter and benefit from being more familiar with one another - which makes our start even more impressive (and all credit to Eriksson) for us being able to grind results out during the early stages of the season.

One thing Eriksson was keen to point out is that (Bojinov and Isaksson apart) we have been fairly injury free this season, and the squad is light and quality past the obvious starting XI - something which I expect to be rectified in the January transfer window. It is to be hoped that we manage to keep the key players healthy during what will be a testing part of the season.

Reaction:

We played good football and there were good combinations and
Elano scored two fantastic goals.
"I was pleased we scored from a corner as
well. I am very happy.
"Maybe we defender better last weekend than we did
today but that is a minor criticism. We have been doing very well at home and if
we keep going like this, that is very good."

-Sven-Goran Eriksson.

We planned to keep things tight. But we were on the back
foot after an early set-piece.
"We had as much possession as them and
created chances. But we are giving away sloppy goals and that costs you games.
"We had to be more offensive after the break and we had a couple of chances,
but they broke, we conceded a free-kick and they punished us."

-Gareth Southgate.

Reports:

The exhilarating Brazilian samba beat at the heart of Sven-Goran Eriksson's revivified Manchester City thumped out loud and clear again at Eastlands yesterday afternoon as Elano, first with a wonderfully struck right-foot shot, and then with a mischievously chipped free-kick, kept the Blues in the top three and sent the home fans skipping out of the exits with thoughts of Europe and - whoever would have thought it - the Premier league title. -The Guardian.

Manchester City’s renaissance under Sven-Göran Eriksson gathered momentum yesterday when two goals from Elano and Chris Riggott’s defensive blunder secured an emphatic victory for the home side and strengthened their grip on third place in the Barclays Premier League. -Times Online.

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he can't ask any more of Brazilian superstar Elano after Manchester City romped to a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough. -Channel4.com

Boro suffered their fifth defeat in six games on Sunday as they became the latest victims of Sven-Goran Eriksson's stunning start in charge of Manchester City. -Fly me to the moon.

Middlesbrough prediction

Rarely must we have gone into a Premier League game with as much confidence of coming away with a win as we do today - a feeling shared by the bookies.

100% home record, whilst Middlesbrough have lost three of four, no injury worries and a side that in the past couple of games are beginning to play some excellent attacking football to go along with the organised and resolute defensive displays.

Middlesbrough are one of the sides I expect to come to Eastlands with a defensive mindset; a play for a point but see if we can snatch a win in the latter stages mentality. This is something they have been capable of previously (who can forget the 'win without shooting' game a couple of seasons back?) but I expect things to be different now.

We look an organised side, where all the players know their positions and responsibilities. The side look charged with a licence to create and play football, and in looking at both squads we should have too much for our opponents today.

I have been extremely impressed with everything Sven-Goran Eriksson has done so far this season (even moreso with the 'thankyou' message to Joey Barton), and he does seem to have a real ability to prepare sides thoroughly for each game.

It would be a real surprise if we didn't comfortably take all three points today and I pick us to come away with a 2-0 win.

Warnock hit out at Southgates 'favour to Pearce'

In the wake of our 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough which kept our six point gap over Charlton intact, and in the process dragged several other teams back into the relegation mix, Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has accused Gareth Southgate manager of giving a favour to Stuart Pearce because of the friendship they have.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Warnock ranted:

"Personally I think it is a disgrace. I know Stuart is a
friend of Gareth Southgate's and I know they've got Manchester United, but I'd
love to see them lose the next six games....I think it's scandalous and I don't
think a club like Middlesbrough should disrespect Sheffield United or Charlton
or anyone else scrapping for their lives.
"I'm absolutely disgusted to say
the least. Take those three out of the team and they are a shadow."

With West Ham on the horizon, Warnock even speculated that Southgate could decide to rest key players against West Ham this weekend to aid Alan Curbishley's bid for survival:

"They play West Ham on Saturday, that's another pal of his,
so they'll probably not bother there. How he imagines us not to be disappointed
I don't know, and I'm sure Alan Pardew feels the same".

Whilst there is no doubt that we were helped by the absence of Viduka, Yakubu and Woodgate, maybe Warnock is looking to deflect a little attention away from the current plight of his own side, whose recent form has seen them sink like a stone to now look the most likely of the sides at the bottom to be leapfrogged by the bottom three.

Southgate is entitled to play whichever players he feels, and to suggest he saw fit to aid our survival bid as a 'favour' to a friend is ridiculous. Perhaps Warnock would be better served looking at the administrators who decided to schedule FA Cup replays 48 hours after a Saturday fixture to aid England's Euro 2008 campaign.

Remember last season, did Stuart Pearce do a 'favour' for Paul Jewell ahead of our FA Cup tie against West Ham, or (as entitled to do so) did he rest players ahead of a game which was then (as Middlesbrough's game is now) the most important remaining one of the season?

Many people seem to feel Warnock's 'honesty' is refreshing in the Premiership this season, but at times he comes across as a man on a mission to rail against all and sundry who he believes are targetting him and his club.

And with this new instance, it only comes across as the paranoid ranting of a manager whose side are now seriously under pressure down at the bottom of the table.