Where Middlesbrough fell short against Brentford despite five-goal thriller

Last weekend the Boro boss said he wanted to be brave by trying to win games. “Sometimes it will pay off, sometimes it doesn’t,” said Woodgate following the 1-1 draw with Blackburn.

This was one of the times where the Teessiders’ attacking intent backfired, yet the prospect of three points against an in-form side fighting for promotion was in touching distance.

Both sides had opportunities with the game finely poised at 2-2, the best of which fell to Boro striker Ashley Fletcher who skewed his effort over with the goal gaping.

Brentford had chances, too, and eventually took one three minutes from time when the Championship’s joint top scorer Ollie Watkins netted a late winner.

But despite conceding three goals, the blame can’t solely be aimed at Boro’s defenders. New signing Harold Moukoudi actually completed an impressive debut and handled Watkins for most of the afternoon.

Woodgate changed his formation at Griffin Park as his side operated in a 4-2-3-1 system – as they have done earlier in the campaign.

For large parts of the second half it looked like the right call, yet there’s no doubt Boro have extra security when playing with a back three and wing-backs.

In the first 45 minutes, Brentford showed exactly why they are fighting for automatic promotion this season.

The hosts were threatening to break the deadlock before defender Julian Jeanvier opened the scoring on 26 minutes. Conceding from a set-piece will have frustrated Woodgate though.

Brentford dominated the midfield battle before half-time, moving the ball quickly and pinning Boro back for large spells.

Yet the visitors responded well, pushing higher up the pitch to match Thomas Frank’s side after half-time.

Boro looked like a real force going forward in the second half, and even added extra fire power when Britt Assombalonga and Lukas Nmecha came on.

That attacking intent has it’s drawbacks, though, and Brentford took full advantage.