Duncan Watmore importance highlighted for Middlesbrough against Sheffield Wednesday as Patrick Roberts frustrations continue amid Celtic links

After scoring eight goals in three games and briefly moving into the Championship play-off places, it would have been easy to think that Boro were addressing their attacking shortcomings.

Neil Warnock’s side scored four times against a sorry Birmingham team last time out, yet it was clear there would be tougher tests to come after that 4-1 win at St Andrew’s.

As Boro boss Neil Warnock has previously pointed out, the Championship can pose challenges from every angle, even against a Sheffield Wednesday side who had recorded only two home wins all season and just sacked manager Tony Pulis.

The Teessiders had 21 shots at Hillsborough but only three hit the target as Warnock side ended 2020 with a 2-1 defeat.

Rare defensive mistakes

Wednesday defended admirably after taking a two-goal lead before half time, capitalising on some rare mistake from the Boro defence as Callum Paterson and Liam Shaw took advantage.

Paddy McNair and Dael Fry have been excellent for the Teessiders this season but were both slow to react when the ball was played into their own penalty area.

They weren’t the only ones at fault during a sloppy ten-minute spell, as Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer were allowed too much time and space to send the ball forward allowing the Wednesday goalscorers to convert.

Aside from that costly period, the visitors deserved to get something from this emotionally-charged fixture.

As Warnock predicted pre-match, it was a physical encounter and Wednesday were tough to break down, with the Owls’ back three of Tom Lees, Chey Dunkley and Liam Palmer repelling the threat that Boro posed.

Watmore Boro’s best

Yet excluding Duncan Watmore’s neat finish, which reduced the deficit four minutes after half-time, Boro lacked composure in the final third, with crosses going astray and set-pieces failing to trouble the Wednesday defence.

Watmore was once again Boro’s best performer as he marked his sixth start with his fifth goal since signing for the Teessiders in November.

The forward was a constant threat, running into the channels and picking up good positions in the first-half, yet his influence faded slightly in the closing stages.

With Premier League clubs reportedly interested in Watmore ahead of the January transfer window, Warnock can only hope the forward decides to extend his stay at the Riverside next month.

More frustration for Roberts

One man who doesn’t look likely to remain on Teesside is Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts.

There was genuine excitement when the playmaker re-joined the club from Manchester City in October, with many predicting he could provide the attacking spark Boro had been lacking.

Yet the 23-year-old has made just three starts all season and was an unused substitute here, despite Boro’s need for a late goal.

Celtic have been linked with a move for the player who impressed at Parkhead during a two-year loan spell.

Warnock has highlighted Roberts’ defensive limitations as the reason for his lack of game time. It seems unlikely the situation will change soon.

The Boro boss made four substitutes against Wednesday while Roberts was left on the bench.

Despite their promising start to the season, Boro still need to improve their ability to score and create chances. Roberts doesn’t appear to be the answer though.

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