The Sun
Last Minute Heartbreak For Middlesbrough; Rodwell and Jovetic Deals Completed
Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough- After their first win of the season, the Middlesbrough players came into this game with buckets full of confidence, and it showed. They came storming out of the gates, controlling a staggering 58% of the possession in the first half. It didn't take long for them to find the net either. In the 6th minute Tuncay checked in to receive the ball from Digard who played it from about half field. Tuncay used his body to shield off his defender, allowing some time for Afonso Alves to make a dashing run into the box. Tuncay played the ball through to him but his shot, which was destined for the left corner, was saved by Gordon. However, Tuncay continued his run and slotted away the rebound. "As I said last week, Tuncay has a terrific nose for goal. Whether it be the beautiful chip from last game or a garbage rebound goal such as today, it doesn't matter. He's always in the mix" said Marad. Sunderland, who had begun the season with two successive draws, would not go quietly. In the 27th minute Djibril Cisse controlled the ball 10 yards outside Middlesbrough's box. He pushed the ball to his right, then suddenly cut back to the left creating just enough space between himself and Huth for a shot. Turnbull got a hand to it, but his effort was not enough as the ball sailed into the left side netting.
Neither team dominated the run of play in the second half, as chances were few and far between. In the 75th minute, Middlesbrough got their best chance to take the lead. Tuncay played a wonderful ball across the field to Emnes on the right wing who proceeded to play it back into the middle to Digard. He one touched it to Tuncay who dribbled around McShane and found himself alone in the box, but his shot was saved. Terror came in the 90th minute of play when Wheater took down Cisse in the box. Richardson stepped up and blasted the penalty kick of the left post into the back of the net. "It's a tough way to loose. We came out strong but didn't finish strong. Yet again inconsistent play killed us. But we must get passed this. There is alot of football left to play" said the manager.
Transfer News
On the last day of the transfer window Middlesbrough made moves on all fronts. They sold striker Marlon King to Portsmouth for a reported $3,708,000 and defender Chris Riggot to Istanbul BB for $560,000. They also completed the purchases of 17 year-old defensive midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton for $870,000 and 18 year-old forward Stevan Jovetic from Serie A side Fiorentina for $4,050,000. The full details of these transfers have not been released yet, but we are expecting an announcement from the club rather shortly. When this announcement comes The Sun will have full details plus both player and coach reactions.