'Rusty', 'bypassed' and 'hardly involved': Joe Nicholson's damning Middlesbrough player ratings after dire Swansea City defeat
By Joe Nicholson
Published 20th Jun 2020, 14:26 BST
Updated 21st Jun 2020, 08:28 BST
Middlesbrough endured a nightmare return to Championship action as they fell to defeat against Swansea City – but how did their players perform?
A dire first-half display saw the Swans pull into an insurmountable lead, with Rhian Brewster’s brace and Andre Ayew’s penalty enough to seal victory.
Boro huffed and puffed in the second half, but failed to break down their stubborn visitors - who were deserved victors.
But how did Boro’s players perform? Scroll down to see how Joe Nicholson rated the displays:
But how did Boro’s players perform? Scroll down to see how Joe Nicholson rated the displays:
9. Hayden Coulson
Was on the fringes in the first half and unable to have a major impact in a more advanced position. Subbed early in the second half. 4 Photo: Alex Davidson
A few flashes on the right early on but quickly faded. Moved to a more central role in the second half but never really threatened. 4 Photo: Alex Livesey
(for Clayton, 45) - Operated just behind the strikers in the second half. Tried to make something happen but the result was already as good as settled. 5 Photo: Alex Davidson