my reaction: + whats the point in beating Arsenal when you can't win against bloody Portsmouth... all down to a dodgy penalty....
Deserved win for us. You failed to convert your chances, sure, but we limited you to speculative efforts and very few real opportunities.
You can't usually complain for losing 2-0. From what I've seen it was a definite penalty. From my seat it was clear as you like - rio was practically holding onto him for his life. Could even have been sent off!
The second goal was a good individual effort from the Yak
I can't wait to see what Mikey and chats make of our team (youngsters) - Downing set up the goal, McMahon's had a blinder at right back and George Boateng (allbeit not young) has been exceptional (apparantley).
Mikey's Analysis : (Sorry Chats, its not good reading for you btw)
Wicked Match!
The game always seemed in Boro's contol, Charlton never really looked like scoring and when Boro attacked, the Charlton defence was all over the place. Well Deserved win for Boro!
The first Boro goal though rather flukey, did feel like it was coming. But their second goal was beautiful, wicked link up play between Zendon, Jimmy and Viduka and then a quality finish by Zenden!
Man of the match for me was Zenden, he was running all over the place, working hard and whenever the ball came to him something good would happen!
Downing had quite a quiet game, though when the ball did come to him, he whipped in some fine crosses.
Viduka played well upfront and held the ball up well, aswell as supplying well to others. Though he did seem a bit lazy at times.
Hasselbaink, like Viduka also seemed a bit lazy at times, when he got the ball he did look like he could punish Charlton, but missed a couple of easy chances.
Good Solid Defence for Boro, Mcmahon was working really hard and made many good challenges, Southgate seemed impenetrable and Riggot was class, dealing with most things that came his way.
On the right, Parlour was strong and held on to the ball well.
For Charlton there weren't many things to highlite, Johansson was quite good, managing to slot home after 47 mins and Holland seemed like a strong figure in the centre. In defence Perry looked very confused!