Middlesbrough 0-3 Liverpool: Three things we learnt

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Problems going forward for Karanka’s ‘Boro

Despite the frailties exposed in the Liverpool defence in recent weeks, tonight they were up against the least potent attacking force in the Premier League in the shape of Middlesbrough, and even against the Reds defence that had shipped six goals in their last two matches, they were still unable to capitalise.

Middlesbrough’s growing profligacy in front of goal will be a genuine cause for concern for manager Aitor Karanka. A three-goal defeat suggests their problems were more defensive, though Liverpool in this mood would have been more than a match for any defence.

Going forward, the hosts managed only three efforts on target, and with striker Alvaro Negredo constantly isolated on his own up front, more support in the final third may be the way to go for Middlesbrough if they are to solve their lack of goals. When given the service he craves, he has already shown what he can do, something which defending champions Leicester will be very familiar with in particular after the Spaniard notched a brace at the King Power.

There were three shots on target on Wednesday, but they haven’t managed more than that in a single match all season. In fact, Boro have only managed 13 goals and 41 shots on target throughout the campaign thus far.

Aitor Karanka’s side are clearly committed to the cause and are willing to do the dirty work. They have made more tackles than any other Premier League side this season, but they are yet to win back-to-back games since their return to the top tier.

At this stage last season, Tyneside rivals Newcastle were just a point better off and ended up being relegated. Middlesbrough will have easier games than Wednesday’s, and will come up against far less illustrious opponents, but they are by no means safe from trouble and overcoming their difficulties going forward will be crucial to their survival bid.

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