Better but still too many chances go begging

LEO Percovich tried to focus on the positives after Middlesbrough’s defeat.

Ultimately, results are all that really matter right now as Boro slipped back into the bottom three of the Championship thanks to their second successive defeat under the caretaker manager.

After the match, Percovich said: “That’s disappointing because that’s not the way that we planned to start.

“It’s disappointing to concede two goals so early and in that way. We were maybe a bit unlucky with the bounce in the first in the way it comes in, but we switched off in the first place.

“At the same time, we had a situation we had to resolve after we concede two early goals and we try to win.

“Any team that is not ready or not strong enough would have fragmented or cracked. But the players stuck together, stood up and found a way to score a goal.

“Then we were back in it and from there we dominate the game. The way that we played in the second half is the manner that we expect – we reached the levels that we should have reached earlier.

“It’s an improvement in the way we finished the games against Birmingham and Millwall, and the way we played today with the ball was way much better than the other two games also.

“So the team showed some improvements, but they need to still improve with how they switch on and switch off. The first goal came from another set-piece and that’s been a habit from early in the season. It’s important that, at some point, we need to stop that happening.”

At least showing some spirit after Watmore’s goal late in the first half, Boro pushed for an equaliser in the second half that just would not come.

Chuba Akpom should have scored when the ball bounced out to his feet off the post from two yards out. He somehow hit it close enough to allow the goalkeeper to save. Dael Fry had a late header cleared off the line too.

Percovich felt he did as much as he could to influence it from the side, feeling the switch to 4-3-3 in the second half had a positive impact.

He said: “For me, the turning point was when we changed it and went four at the back. We went 4-3-3 and tried to play with no fear.

“It’s quality to play – using the best qualities that we have with our players, this is how we can be most positive. Of course, I know we needed to take the risk because we were running from behind, and I know Zack [Steffen] had to make big saves. But this is part of the game and you need to take the risk to try and win.

“You have to take your chances too. “Chuba [Akpom] today, faces a tremendous, but lucky save from the goalkeeper. It’s incredible, and if that ball goes in, it’s a different story now.

“I have been at this club for many years now and I know that when fans are not happy they leave early. Today, nobody moves until 95 minutes when they blow the whistle.

“That shows they care about the team and they believe in the players. The way we finished, everyone expected that we could score at any time.

“We were maybe rushing a bit too much though instead of being more calm in that moment.”