Going into another huge game
quality, it should have cleared a few heads and can lead to a confident follow-up.
City may still have been feeling the frustrations from the FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Arsenal when failing to overcome Manchester United in Wednesday’s derby.
Ironically, Boro produced a Karanka-style performance against Sunderland. They were happy to sit back on their lead in the belief they could allow the Black Cats plenty of possession while still preventing them from getting back on terms.
It will not be lost on caretakerboss Steve Agnew, either, that Boro produced one of their best efforts of the whole campaign when they held City to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad on Guy Fawkes Day.
Man of the moment Marten de Roon was the hero that day, popping up in the dying minutes with the Boro equaliser. Agnew will send Boro out believing they can cause problems for City again - though they cannot just rely on trying to contain the Blues.
Boro’s next match is at titlechasing Chelsea. So it is three points rather than one which must be today’s target.
Clearly the odds are stacked in City’s favour but Boro are not without a shout. This is a massive, massive game for Teesside. Sergio Aguero of Manchester City scores his sides second goal past Brad Guzan during Emirates FA Cup quarter-final