Boro ratings vs Crystal Palace with one 8 but 5s as two don't impose themselves

One-time Boro target Jorgen Strand Larsen punished the club he came very close to joining in the summer of 2022, with two goals either side of half-time, to ensure the Premier League side suffered no cup upset. Daichi Kamada then came off the bench to seal the win in style.

Both sides made eight changes for the game, with the league the obvious priority for both. And it was Boro who enjoyed the more positive start of the two.

They took the game to their Premier League opponents and enjoyed early control as well as some good opportunities.

But after Sol Brynn was twice forced into saving the best efforts of the first half, Palace’s Premier League quality told when Strand Larsen headed them in front shortly before the interval.

And the Norwegian was at the double shortly after the interval. Palace again making that quality difference count on the break. Ben Chilwell provided the cross this time, with Strand Larsen getting in between the centre-backs and doing the rest.

Boro certainly didn’t go under and continued to make a game of the third round cup tie, with Palace’s third goal making for a cruel scoreline. Kamada beat the offside trap and ran through to produce an excellent finish to seal the tie for his side.

For Boro, it was a case of good effort, cruel scoreline, but a lesson in making the most of the moments when in the final third.

Nothing he could do to stop any of the goals. The two saves he made before that, however, were excellent. He keeps Vitek on his toes with a positive display, but the end of the cup run could leave him waiting.

Callum Brittain - 7

Another good display from Brittain. He showed real confidence to drive Boro forward with the ball, and often created an extra option inverting to the middle of the pitch. Great piece of first-half skill crafted a good chance.

Luke Ayling - 5

A few slack balls out of defence before being beaten by Strand Larsen for the first goal. He was then caught too deep, playing Kamada onside, who ran through with ease to score a third.

Alfie Jones - 6

Largely solid performance, as he kept Boro in control of possession by winning almost every duel he needed to. But caught early in the second half as a cross went just over him, allowing Strand Larsen to head home his second.

A couple of edgy early moments as his lack of match sharpness told. Supported Conway well in attack but looked beatable when Palace broke. Withdrawn at half-time.

Adilson Malanda - 6

Back in midfield, it was another largely assured display. He helped Boro keep the ball well in the first half and offered a presence to win the midfield battle. He was punished in one early second half moment, however, as one slack ball resulted in the break that Palace went 2-0 up from.

Aidan Morris - 8

Battled so hard in the heart of Boro’s midfield. To his credit, Boro more than matched Palace and enjoyed plenty of possession, with Morris’ aggression and desire to quickly win the ball back central to that. One second-half recovery tackle, getting back in at the last minute to stop Will Hughes as he ran through epitomised his fight.

Myles Peart-Harris - 5

Quieter than his midfield partners in a slightly more advanced role. When he did get the ball and drive, he looked positive with it, but he didn’t do it often enough to impose himself on the game.

Amario Cozier-Duberry - 7

A really bright debut for the winger. He had a couple of really good opportunities, which he crafted with his pace, skill and agility. He worked hard defensively too, setting off a couple of attacks by turning over possession.

Tommy Conway - 7

Caused a lot of problems for Palace down the left and immediately reminded why he is a player Kim Hellberg likes so much. He was a constant source of Boro danger while on the pitch. Just needs to sharpen up that end product.

David Strelec - 5

Worked hard but beyond one flash effort in the first half, he didn’t ever really look like threatening Palace’s defenders or goal. Lacking fitness, but didn’t offer much or impose himself on the game.

Neto Borges (For Byram, 46’) - 6 - Not much he could do to stop the Palace quality.

Leo Castledine (For Conway, 67’) - 5 - Couldn’t get into the game. Game quickly faded after the third shortly after his introduction.

Will Lankshear (For Strelec, 67’) - 5 - Couldn’t get into the game either.

Ashley Phillips (For Malanda, 77’) - N/A

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