Middlesbrough’s promotion hopes were dented last night as they slumped to a 1-0 away defeat to fellow promotion chasers Sheffield United.
Tony Pulis’s side were reduced to ten men midway through the second half after defender Daniel Ayala was sent off.
Boro were, however, already a goal down following Richard Stearman’s header on the hour mark, and fans on Twitter were not happy with the display:
Worst thing about tonight is sheff united were under par and not up to usual standards in particular large part of 1st half yet we barely laid a glove on them. Really poor. Hanging on for 6th going to be really tough
— Steptoe (@Steptoesyard) 13 February 2019
No effort again!!! Looks like the dressing room is lost #PulisOut
— TonyPooliss (@TonyPooliss) 13 February 2019
We don’t go to win, just to suffocate opponents, awful second half, Ayala was a walking red or pen. No attacking intent, pace, wingers and the lump up front can’t stay upright and when he does gives a foul
— chris lane (@clane213285) 13 February 2019
We had lost it before going down to 10 men. Let’s not try and soften the blow. Again we remain reactive and wait to go behind before making changes. Even the commentator on Sky said when we have a chance to build and play it forward, we do the opposite and pass it backwards.
— Ian Lambert (@1anlambert) 13 February 2019
Don't dress it up a 13 man Pullis team would of got beat with his tactics and no sticker on the pitch….. Yes I mean NO STRIKER. lumping around does not qualify for this role. Boro lad or not. In fact I bet at least a dozen Boro lads in the crowd tonight are better than Hughill
— Ray O (@MrMaximus1972) 13 February 2019
— Phil (@PhilMartinMFC) 13 February 2019
Horrendous performance
— Adam Macadie (@adam_macadie1) 13 February 2019
What on earth was that?
— Toby F (@TobyNutmeg) 13 February 2019
It’s soul destroying to watch the team we all love and support and pay money to watch ?
— Squidlystone (@Squidlystone_YT) 14 February 2019
Hoof, Defend, Concede, Repeat.
— Rich Cane (@rich_cane) 13 February 2019
I admire our travelling supporters, work hard ,pay good money to travel and watch another dismal display but they keep going well done! They don't deserve you ?
— Steve Daley (@0776Daley) 13 February 2019
Middlesbrough have struggled for goals this season, having hit the back of the net 35 times in 32 league games; the worst of any team in the top half.
The defeat at Bramall Lane means the Teessiders are still in the top six on goal difference.
It was only Derby County’s failure to beat bottom of the table Ipswich Town that has kept Boro in the playoff places.
Pulis’s team will want to get back to winning ways very quickly, and they face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park next up on Sunday.