Britt silences the Pulis boo-boys
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Tony Pulis shrugged off coming under fire from West Bromwich Albion’s fans during his side’s thrilling win at his former club.
Pulis was making his first return to the club since being sacked in November 2017.
But he had the last laugh as substitute Britt Assombalonga struck with two goals in the final 15 minutes to seal a stunning triumph.
Pulis had been heading for defeat after Albion cancelled out George Saville’s opener to take a lead through Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle.
He said: “Supporters have to do what they have to do. I met a group of supporters last night who were very complimentary.
“So there will be people who like you and people who don’t.
“That is life. Supporters pay their money and Albion wanted to move on and do things differently. That was fine by me. I had a great time here. I have great memories. I think we beat all the top teams.”
Pulis hopes that beating Albion will lift the mood at Middlesbrough. He added: “It has been negativity because we have not brought anyone in. Everyone was expecting us to bring in one or two.
“So it was a real negativity around the place and that is why I went over to the supporters after the game, as the way they were today was fantastic and it was a thank you to them.
“They have seen a group of players give everything.
“What we have to do now is improve our home form, as that has been disappointing.”
Albion slipped to only their second league loss in 13 games.
Manager Darren Moore said: “We learn from the mistakes.
“Like I said to the boys, it is how we respond from here going forward.
“There will be little bumps in the road but it is really, really important that we learn from it and we get better at it.
“Yes, it was a frustrating afternoon but you have to remember that teams will not come here and play open football against the Albion.
“I felt we took the game to them but Middlesbrough were resolute as well and you have to give them credit. They got their just rewards in the end.”
Saville pounced to give Middlesbrough the lead but the goal was a nightmare for Gareth Barry and Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. Johnstone played a pass to Barry in the centre of the pitch but he was dispossessed by Saville. Saville then surged forward before firing a low drive into the far corner of the net from just inside the penalty area.
Albion drew level when Rodriguez showed his poacher’s instincts. Midfielder Rekeem Harper mis-hit a shot and it fortuitously bounced into the path of Rodriguez, who stabbed home from close range.
Gayle then put Albion ahead when he reacted quicker than the defenders after a Rodriguez knock down.
Pulis responded by sending on Assombalonga and that transformed the game. Jordan Hugill teed him up to score with an angled shot to draw Middlesbrough level. He then sealed the win after pouncing on an error by Chris Brunt.