How the Middlesbrough players were rated after their 1-0 win over Wolves

Middlesbrough recorded a statement win over promotion rivals Wolves to celebrate their 150th birthday in style.

Will Lankshear netted his ninth goal of the season and once again proved the difference for Boro on a day where their performance matched the occasion, with the anniversary celebrations for the 150 fixture.

It was goalless at half-time, but Boro enjoyed a really positive first 45 minutes. Gaining an early control of the game, they pressured their visitors into errors with the ball, and looked bright when breaking. They just couldn’t find their opening before the break, however.

After previous issues with half-to-half consistency though, there were no drop-offs this time, with Lankshear’s second-half match-winner deserved based on the momentum of the game.

From there, it became about game management, and they were so much better on that side too, ensuring they got over the line with a big win. Here’s how the players rated.

Radek Vitek - 6

Only one major save to make but there were a couple of edgier moments in the game, one taking too long with the ball at his feet, and another dropping a routine catch as Boro needed to ease pressure late on.

Callum Brittain - 7

Another brilliant display showing both his defensive abilities while also getting forward well throughout to support the attack. A proper full-back’s display.

Ashley Phillips - 7

No-nonsense throughout. His pace helped Boro look so much more solid at the back.

Adilson Malanda - 8

Back in defence and looking excellent while doing so. Really good playing out from the back, but crucially making some vital defensive contributions as well, including one big defensive header and one massive touch at the back post to deny Armstrong a tap in.

Neto Borges - 7

Another really solid game. He defended so well throughout, keeping his man at bay and got forward well in the right moments or playing some great balls up the channel allowing Conway to cause problems.

Aidan Morris - 9

One of those performances where he just seemed to cover every blade of grass. His performance was massive for Boro to get a huge win.

Sebastian Berhalter - 6

Not as influential as he might have hoped to be in the advanced midfield role. Outmuscled once or twice too easily, but there were a couple of quality deliveries that just came to nothing on the day.

Amario Cozier-Duberry - 7

Usual lively performance where did plenty of hassling and created plenty of positive openings without any end product on this occasion.

Riley McGree - 6

No shortage of effort, but in terms of his involvement, it was one where he struggled to have a major impact as Boro looked to turn dominance into something more meaningful.

Tommy Conway - 8

Lively throughout his time on the pitch and always looking to make things happen, he got his reward, with an excellent drive and cross to set up Boro’s goal. On another day, he's man of the match with a performance like that.

Will Lankshear - 7

Didn’t get too many sights at goal before the one he did score on 57 minutes. Once again, he’s the difference maker though. There was a lot of positive back-to-goal battling.

Subs

Luke Ayling (for Berhalter, 70’) - 6 - Helped Boro over the line.

Myles Peart-Harris (for Conway, 70’) - 6 - Unlucky with a couple of attacking moments on the counter after coming on.

Jeremy Sarmiento (for McGree, 80’) - N/A

Max Arfsten (for Cozier-Duberry, 87’) - N/A

Kyle Joseph (for Lankshear, 87’) - N/A