How the Middlesbrough players rated against Cardiff City after the 2-2 draw

Middlesbrough came from behind to earn a draw against Cardiff City, with Will Lankshear the inspiration from the bench.

With the striker rested, Boro found themselves 2-0 down at the break after goals from Jack Moylan and Ollie Tanner.

But with Lankshear on alongside Sebastian Berhalter for the restart, Boro were at least able to get back into the game thanks to goals from Lankshear and Tommy Conway. Here’s how the Boro players rated.

Radek Vitek - 6

One good block at 2-2 but he was beaten at his near post for the first goal and wasn’t overly convincing with a few crosses.

Luke Ayling - 6

In a shoddy Boro defensive performance, he was probably the best of the three centre-backs. He stopped a couple of breaks with important tackles and did his in-possession work well. But he had to be sacrificed at the break to change things up.

Ashley Phillips - 6

Not the easiest of afternoons, as he had a big battle on his hands. Largely did his job and won his duels though, even if it wasn’t always pretty.

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Adilson Malanda - 5

Having been sloppy with more than a few passes out from defence, the defending for the second Cardiff goal was poor. He allowed Tanner to come inside far too easily. Fortunate not to concede a penalty before that too.

Callum Brittain - 8

Brilliant again at wing-back and then full-back in the second half. He worked hard throughout to support the attack and got his reward with a brilliant assist for the first goal. Says everything that even after 80 minutes he was still sprinting back to not neglect his defensive duties. Man of the match.

Aidan Morris - 6

Largely positive performance with plenty of drive and determination to help Boro get back in it in the second half. But he looked isolated in a one-man midfield at times and was poor for the first goal, beaten far too easily.

Riley McGree - 5

Improved in the second half along with Boro in general, but was off it in the first half. He took up dangerous positions but didn’t make use of them as his final ball was lacking. Didn’t get hold of the ball in the build-up to the first Cardiff goal when it came out to him.

Neto Borges - 7

Another really positive performance from Borges who, with the exception of Cozier-Duberry, had more Boro chances than any other player and probably came the closest from a Boro perspective. Might have been a bit more aggressive in the build-up to the first goal.

Amario Cozier-Duberry - 7

Was Boro’s biggest threat in the first half and worked the keeper a couple of times while also being denied by a couple of big blocks. Involved in the build-up to the goals too, assisting the equaliser.

Tommy Conway - 7

Plenty of drive and positivity with the ball down the left, but didn’t always make the best use of all the space he was afforded.

Kyle Joseph - 5

The ball just did not stick with him when Boro needed it to. He couldn’t influence the game or offer the same kind of presence as Lankshear. He’d be a striker who wants the ball in behind, rather than into his feet, but he didn’t get that service.

Subs

Sebastian Berhalter (For Ayling, 46’) - 7 - Bright from the bench and helped influence a second-half comeback with some penetrative passing.

Will Lankshear (For Joseph, 46’) - 8 - Gets the equalising goal from the bench and in general changed the complexion of it for Boro with his general presence and confidence in the final third.

Max Arfsten (For Cozier-Duberry, 73’) - 6 - Brought on to try and re-spark Boro into life after losing the momentum after their two quick goals. Try as he might, he didn’t quite manage that.

Myles Peart-Harris (For McGree, 79’) - N/A

Jeremy Sarmiento (For Borges, 89’) - N/A