Middlesbrough ended the calendar year with a battling point against automatic promotion hopefuls Burnley as they drew 0-0 at the Riverside.

In a far more disciplined performance from a defensive point of view, Boro were largely able to keep Burnley at bay, with stand-in goalkeeper Tom Glover largely untested throughout, though the visitors did miss two huge second-half chances.

Boro, on the other hand, while better defensively, lacked that final pass, cross or moment in the final third and had to make do with a point. Here’s how the Boro players rated against Burnley.

Tom Glover - 6

Largely untested in a more solid Boro defensive performance. One second half moment where his punch for a cross was poor and, but for Dael Fry, would have gifted Burnley a winner. Otherwise solid enough with the odd loose kick at times.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 6

Solid enough defensively as he did well to keep Hannibal Mejbri quiet throughout. He had some sloppy moments in possession though, which on another night might have been costly.

Dael Fry - 8

A rock at the back for Boro throughout as he defended the penalty area with real class and determination. His night was summed up by the huge block he made in the second half to deny Burnley a goal.

George Edmundson - 7

Complemented Fry well and defended the box solidly having returned from injury earlier than expected. He stood up to the Burnley attack well throughout.

Neto Borges - 5

Really tough evening against the lively Jadon Anthony. He was more guilty in possession though where he was sloppy throughout. He looked like he might have been still carrying a slight knock from Boxing Day, but was poor nonetheless.

Dan Barlaser - 7

Another really promising performance from Barlaser. Largely kept things simple in possession, though a couple of probing longer balls in behind caused trouble in the first half. Most promising, he battled well in midfield. Often guilty of letting the game pass him by, he took this one by the scruff of the neck and protected the back four well.

Hayden Hackney - 7

Guilty of a couple of sloppy moments, particularly when looking for the Hollywood moments in dangerous areas. But largely, he was really positive throughout with his balls in behind for Burgzorg and full of energy for the defensive battle too.

Ben Doak - 6

Burnley did their homework and largely nullified the flying wing-man, with Humphries handling him well in the main. He did get one chance on the counter as he set up a chance for Latte Lath in the first half, but it was just a fraction too high for the Ivorian.

Finn Azaz - 6

Largely quiet evening as he looked a little lethargic at times and struggled to find the pockets of space that he uses to exploit opposition defences. Having said he still fashioned himself Boro’s best chance of the evening.

Delano Burgzorg - 6

Strange evening for the in-form forward who, with his brilliant driving runs, was one of Boro’s most threatening throughout. Provided far more space than Doak was on the opposite flank, the intent was there, but the end product wasn’t. It was just one of those evenings for him as he might have done more to influence matters.

Emmanuel Latte Lath - 6

Worked hard throughout up top and when given a chance, petrified the Burnley defence with his pace and hassling. One decent headed chance was as close as he came to a goal as he lacked quality service on the evening, while a few moments just didn’t quite fall for him. It didn’t stop his efforts though.

Substitutions

Isaiah Jones (For Doak, 72’) - 6 - Lacked a cutting edge from the bench with a couple of promising moments.

Riley McGree (For Burgzorg, 72’) - 6 - Lively from the bench and unlucky with one long-range effort.

Lukas Engel (For Borges, 81’) - N/A