MIDDLESBROUGH 0
BORO GAFFER IS SEETHING
TONY PULIS was left seething at the officials after Middlesbrough’s unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt at Norwich.
Teemu Pukki hit a fortunate winner for the Canaries but the Boro boss was livid at not getting a penalty when Britt Assombalonga went down under a Christoph Zimmerman challenge.
He was further angered when referee Andy Davies reversed his decision to send off City centre-half Timm Klose.
“They scored a goal straight after what looked like an absolute penalty to me down the other end when Britt cuts inside,” said Pulis.
“The lad catches Britt on the thigh and he goes down.
“The referee is in a great, great position to see it but doesn’t give it.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Norwich but I thought the officials were very poor today overall.”
Middlesbrough’s streak without conceding a league goal ended at nine hours 21 minutes as Norwich did what no other team had managed since Millwall on the opening day and found a way past Darren Randolph.
Norwich had created a number of half -chances, with Alex Tettey trying his luck three times, and Pukki going close.
When all else fails, try a simple toe poke. The Finn did just that from 10 yards when George Friend inadvertently deflected Max Aarons’ cross to him, and his effort deflected off Ryan Shotton past the keeper.
It was Pukki’s third goal in as many games in a week after netting the winners in Finland’s 1-0 victories over Hungary and Estonia.
Norwich manager Daniel Farke (right) felt it was one of his side’s biggest wins under his stewardship.
“Middlesbrough are an unbelievable side with their strength at defending,” said Farke. “They could win every basketball game because they are so tall.
“To beat them you have to play quick football and be brave in counter-attacking.
“We can’t beat them physically so it is important to be brave and chase the ball, counter-attack and push them into their half.” Confusion reigned when Davies mistakenly showed a red card to Klose, who looked to have been given a second yellow for bringing down Assombalonga.
But after flashing the two cards, Davies consulted an assistant who confirmed the Boro striker had been offside before the foul was given. “There were lots of things going on that I was disappointed with but that decision, that’s the first time I’ve ever seen that,” said Pulis.
Tim Krul kept Norwich’s lead intact with a fine save to deny Jonny Howson after Assombalonga pulled the ball back.