Middlesbrough’s first home game of 2025 ended in frustration as they were held to a 1-1 draw by second-bottom Cardiff City.

Not helped by a poor refereeing display, Boro were ultimately just a bit flat after taking the lead through Emmanuel Latte Lath in just the 12th minute. Former loan man Calum Chambers equalised just ten minutes later and there by, Michael Carrick’s side struggled to get themselves back in front.

Another two points dropped, they at least didn’t cost Boro their fifth-place spot in the Championship table, though it did mean they failed to strengthen their position as results elsewhere went their way. Here’s how the Boro players rated.

Tom Glover - 7

Nothing he could do about the goal and was largely untested otherwise. One smart early save as he was alert to a long-range Chambers effort. A couple of good punches and collects from crosses.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 6

Really solid defensively, having used his pace to recover well a lot. But he was very sloppy in possession throughout. Some of his touches and passes put himself and/or team-mates in danger.

Rav van den Berg - 7

Barely tested by a poor Cardiff side from an attacking view point. He tried to push Boro forward with quicker play out from the back second half, but it just didn’t happen for Boro.

Dael Fry - 5

Solid in general but a moment of panic as he rushed in to clear the ball only for a touch to take it slightly away from him meant his attempted clearance with a backheel flick looks really costly.

Neto Borges - 6

Largely solid throughout as he continued his inverting role to free up space for Burgzorg. Steady but unable to influence matters enough from an attacking view in a game he was rarely tested in defensively.

Dan Barlaser - 5

Just a little too ponderous in the midfield as Boro struggled to break Cardiff down, his below-par afternoon was compounded by a string of really poor set-pieces that meant an alternative Boro means of a goal on a day they struggle to break a side down was ultimately negated.

Hayden Hackney - 6

Tried, particularly in the second half to make something happen for his side with some drives forward. He just couldn’t make anything happen on the day.

Ben Doak - 8

Boro’s best player - he made clear his importance for Boro as he had a lively first half down the right which included creating the goal, and then got back into the game in the final 20 minutes when switched to the left.

Finn Azaz - 6

Picked up pockets of space and tried to keep the ball moving, but so often found a wall of Cardiff defenders between him and the goal when he picked the ball up, as Boro struggled to get the ball up to the final third quickly enough, allowing the visitors to regroup.

Delano Burgzorg - 6

Drove brightly down the left wing plenty and probably deserved to win a few more free-kicks than he was ultimately given. Frustrated in finding himself caught offside a lot while looking across the line though as he ultimately couldn’t provide a moment to separate the sides.

Emmanuel Latte Lath - 7

Wasn’t blessed with much service, but showed his penalty-area instinct with a smart run and finish to put Boro ahead. Only other chance was a header that he just wasn’t able to get enough power behind to beat Alnwick a second time. Worked hard up top as standard for him.

Substitutions

Isaiah Jones (For Burgzorg, 69’) - 6 - Bright cameo from the bench. Got at O’Dowda well and almost created a winning goal for Latte Lath.

Alex Gilbert (For Azaz, 75’) - 6 - Couldn’t make an impact in this one after his Hull heroics.

Lukas Engel (For Borges, 84’) - N/A