Middlesbrough's automatic promotion hopes suffered a setback on Boxing Day as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a resilient Blackburn Rovers at the Riverside Stadium.
Hellberg's Sacrifice Fails to Yield Desired Result
The stalemate, which leaves Boro second but now eight points adrift of leaders Coventry, was a personal disappointment for manager Kim Hellberg. The Swede's commitment to the cause is so intense that he opted for his wife and two young children to spend Christmas in their homeland while he remained on Teesside to prepare for a demanding festive schedule of four games in nine days.
Despite this sacrifice, his team could not break down a well-organised Blackburn side. Hellberg, who replaced the Wolves-bound Rob Edwards a month ago, had hoped to mark the occasion with three points but saw his team's four-game winning streak come to an end.
Tactical Questions Arise After Compact Approach Stalls
The match raised questions about the long-term effectiveness of Hellberg's preferred narrow 4-2-2-2 formation. After a 2-0 defeat at Bristol City and now this draw, a system that previously produced 'wingless wonders' appeared overly compact and predictable.
Boro's attacks were funnelled centrally, with a lack of natural width making life relatively straightforward for Valérien Ismaël's Blackburn defence. Hellberg, however, pointed to execution over design. "I think we passed the ball too much instead of driving forward," said the eloquent manager. "The performance was not good enough. We didn't deserve more than a draw."
Cantwell Shines as Rovers Execute Perfect Away Plan
Blackburn's game plan centred on stifling Boro's creativity, a task in which the irrepressible Todd Cantwell was instrumental. Despite playing with a heavily strapped and bandaged right knee, the former Norwich and Rangers midfielder was a constant source of vision and determination, eclipsing even Boro's second-half substitute, the highly-rated Norwegian teen Sverre Nypan.
Rovers manager Valérien Ismaël could not hide his delight post-match. "It was tough, as we expected, but we played a great away game," he said. "Middlesbrough might be the best side we've faced this season in possession but we managed that well. I'm very proud."
The visitors could have stolen all three points late in the first half when Yuki Ohashi dragged a shot wide on a dangerous counter-attack. Boro's best chance came moments later, when Morgan Whittaker's right-footed shot cannoned back off the inside of the post, leaving the attacker in disbelief.
The hosts' frustration was epitomised by Hayden Hackney, who was fortunate to receive only a yellow card after kicking out at Taylor Gardner-Hickman long after the ball had gone.
While Blackburn failed to force Boro keeper Sol Brynn into a significant save, their tactical discipline suggests Ismaël's side are moving clear of relegation fears. For Middlesbrough, the challenge is now to find a more varied attacking approach quickly, with the visit of Hull City on Monday offering an immediate chance for redemption.
