Middlesbrough player ratings vs Oxford with two 9s and three 8s in superb away win

Middlesbrough continued their fine form as they fired six goals past Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium to move into the Championship top six.

As Emmanuel Latte Lath grabbed a hat-trick and Finn Azaz got two goals and two assists, there was reason for two rare 9s in the Boro ratings this week, with two more players earning 8s. Tommy Conway came off the bench to grab Boro’s other goal.

Another clinical display from Michael Carrick’s side, they’ve now won three on the bounce and scored 15 goals in doing so. Here’s how the Boro players rated after the 6-2 win over Oxford.

Sol Brynn - 8

Made his league debut as Seny Dieng pulled out late through illness. Though he conceded twice, he made some fine stops in the game - notably the one he pushed onto the bar in the second half and also distributed really well to set Boro away on the attack that led to their second goal. In really tough conditions, this was a really assured and mature display.

Luke Ayling - 7

Had a shaky start in the game but recovered well to look comfortable in a game Boro really commanded.

George Edmundson - 7

Another solid appearance from the centre-back who got his head on so much and set Boro away while playing out from the back often.

Matt Clarke - 7

Like Ayling, he had a shaky start, with his ball-playing out from the back edgy early on. As Boro took control though, Clarke relaxed and he was an important figure in the penalty area to many Oxford set-pieces.

Neto Borges - 7

Could have done better in dealing with Oxford’s corner for the first goal, but other than that enjoyed a solid return to the side. Was happy to quickly move the ball on and let those ahead of him to do the headline-grabbing work.

Dan Barlaser - 8

This was the type of game that really suits Barlaser, as Oxford offered little and gave him the time and space to float around the middle of the park picking up the ball and dictating the tempo throughout.

Jonny Howson - 7

Took a while to warm into the game as he looked a little off the pace early on. It led to him being caught in possession a couple of times, albeit never to the behest of costing even a chance. He warmed into it and was quickly back to his commanding and composed self.

Ben Doak - 8

Had a relatively quiet start to the game but suddenly turned it on when Boro needed him most. He came to life just before Boro fell behind and then carried that on after, playing a hand in all three of Boro’s quickfire first-half goals.

Finn Azaz - 9

Azaz’s fine Boro form continued as he left Oxford with another two assists and two goals. His finish to put Boro ahead was really smart, while his second assist for Latte Lath was oozed class. He was once again involved in so much of Boro’s positive work and was unlucky not to score another when he hit the post late on.

Delano Burgzorg - 7

Played his part without being as noticeable as his attacking team-mates. Some of his running down the left wing was brilliant and quickly got Boro into dangerous areas though, particularly for the second goal.

Emmanuel Latte Lath - 9

Latte Lath’s fine form continued as he left the Kassam with match ball after completing his hat-trick. The first came from the penalty spot but the next two, either side of the break, were both clinical finishes. Until coming off, and even with Boro 4-1 up, he continued working hard as he looked to help Boro get more.

Substitutions

Marcus Forss (For Doak, 62’) - 6 - Struggled to have much of an impact in this one, but great to see him back.

Tommy Conway (For Latte Lath, 62’) - 7 - Off the bench to get in on the act. You can’t ask for much more.

Riley McGree (For Burgzorg, 75’) - 7 - Kept Boro on the front foot with bright play and had a couple of decent openings before setting up Conway for his goal.

Anfernee Dijskteel (For Ayling, 85’) - N/A

Micah Hamilton (For Azaz, 85’) - N/A