Middlesbrough laboured to their ninth draw of the season, settling for a 1-1 result after failing to break down a typically resolute West Bromwich Albion. After failing to land their lauded transfer targets Jese, Robert Snodgrass and Bojan, and with playmaker Gaston Ramirez missing through injury, 'Boro had to rely on their existing squad to try and ease their relegation worries. A solid performance was characteristically marked by a handful of half-chances as their impotence continues in front of goal.
Positives
Adama Traore has improved in recent weeks and added to his rising stock here, combining aggressive, pacy runs with deliveries of real quality. Despite being rocked by injuries to Calum Chambers and George Friend at the back, Boro's makeshift defence largely withstood and dealt with the Baggies' aerial and wide threats. Antonio Barragan was the best of the returning defenders as he put in a strong shift defensively and on the front foot.
Negatives
'Boro now have a horrible habit of starting games poorly and were quickly behind to a sweet strike by James Morrison from outside the area. They showed character to recover and level the game through an Alvaro Negredo penalty but as has so often been their downfall this season, they were unable to take full advantage and register a fifth win.
They did threaten the Baggies goal and forced Ben Foster into a few good saves -- ironically thanks to awkward bounces off opposition players -- but a sheer lack of clinical bite up front, worsened by their inability to create clear chances, could well see them fall through the Premier League's trap door.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Aitor Karanka's hand was forced by a number of defensive injuries but those he selected managed to repay his faith. His side looked on top early in the second half but suffered due to his decision to remove Cristhian Stuani for Patrick Bamford, which meant Adama Traore switched flanks from his favoured right hand side. 'Boro fell flat after the shift and the change tipped the game in Tony Pulis' favour.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Victor Valdes, 7 -- Valdes was proactive in diverting some dipping deliveries and showed his class in managing to stop a poor Negredo clearance from ending up in his own net.
DF Antonio Barragan, 7 -- Barragan returned to the side and dealt well with the marauding Matt Phillips who was a constant threat from wide areas.
DF Ben Gibson, 7 -- Gibson was strong aerially and recycled the ball well in possession, while always having an eye on the chance to drive forward 10 yards up the field.
DF Bernardo Espinosa, 5 -- Espinosa gave away far too many cheap fouls and struggled against Salomon Rondon. The Baggies' goal came after a needless free kick was given away by the Colombian in the opening exchanges.
DF Fabio, 7 -- Fabio contributed a typically energetic performance, battling for headers despite his stature and attempting to get balls into the box.
MF Adam Clayton, 7 -- Clayton was by far the most effective of the central trio and displayed a real desire to win every ball for his side.
MF Adam Forshaw, 5 -- Forshaw's declining form showed no sign of abating here with tepid decision-making joining his worrying trend of losing the ball in key areas.
MF Marten de Roon, 5 -- de Roon struggled throughout the game and was unable to win back possession for his side. His control let him down on occasion and his wayward passing rendered him a liability.
MF Adama Traore, 8 -- Traore was again scintillating to watch at times, with West Brom's defence creaking in the face of his pure pace and dynamism. The recent improvements in his crossing is a major plus for 'Boro; if they can get players in place to convert, then they may avoid the drop.
MF Cristhian Stuani, 7 -- Stuani was enjoying a good game on the left-hand side and got into the box well in key moments to provide an aerial threat. Unfairly substituted around the hour mark.
FW Alvaro Negredo, 7 -- Visibly enjoyed the physical tussle with the Baggies' back four and helped to coax out some fleeting attacks. Won a penalty for his side following a strong run and clinically slotted the spot kick home.
Substitutes
MF Patrick Bamford, 6 -- Tried but failed to impact the game and was perhaps guilty of trying too much in these early games since his return to the club.
FW Rudy Gestede, NR -- Gestede was thrown in the final exchanges to try and add a direct physical threat to the hosts' play. He was unable to show his strengths, however, his input limited to being cynically scythed down by Craig Dawson whenever 'Boro looked to break.