Middlesbrough's Paddy McNair dilemma, an area of concern against Watford and Bournemouth plus touchline experience shows; Talking points

After a couple of days to reflect on the fixture, we take a closer look at where it leaves Neil Warnock’s side.

What should Boro do with Paddy McNair?

Many would agree that McNair was Boro’s man of the match on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland international started the game on the left of a back three but regularly stepped into midfield to help drive the team forward.

McNair’s excellent cross for Marcus Browne’s equaliser nine minutes from time earned Boro a point they deserved and was a moment of creativity the side had been crying out for.

"Right now Paddy McNair is playing right on top of his game, and he has done throughout pre-season and in the game at Watford” said Boro’s first-team assistant Kevin Blackwell after the match.

It begs the question, are Boro better off keeping McNair in defence or moving him back into his favoured central midfield role?

The 24-year-old has openly said he prefers playing in midfield, yet he clearly has the attributes to play at the back.

Boro’s 3-5-2 formation also appeared to suit McNair, as Jonny Howson was able to provide cover when Northern Irishman stepped forward.

Set-pieces remain a concern

Despite two encouraging performances against two of the Championship promotion favourites, Boro have taken just one point out of a possible six.

That may be a negative way of looking at it, yet teams will ultimately be judged on results.

You could argue Boro have deserved to win at least one of their opening two league fixtures, yet the Teessiders have been undone by two set-plays.

Against Watford, Grant Hall, who performed well against Bournemouth, lost his man and allowed Craig Cathcart to head home the only goal of the game.

It was a similar story on Saturday as Marvin Johnson allowed Dominic Solanke to get away from him and convert Arnaut Danjuma’s low corner.

That will obviously frustrate Warnock whose side are often well drilled and give little away.

Boro will have to cut out their set-piece errors to make their good performances count.

Experience in the dugout shows

Warnock may have been absent from the touchline on Saturday, yet his trusted assistants Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson were barking out instructions throughout the match.

Boro’s coaching staff were in constant contact with Warnock via Zoom, while the manager spoke to his players before the game.

Yet Blackwell and Jepson also have plenty of experience to draw upon, with around 45 years of coaching experience between them.

The pair have worked with Warnock at multiple clubs and know how the Boro boss operates on a day-to-day basis.

It was Blackwell who spoke to the media before and after the match, giving lengthy and insightful answers during his press conferences.

Of course Boro will hope to have Warnock back on the touchline as soon as possible, yet the team appears to be in good hands.

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