It was simple really. Play 4-4-2, defend higher up the pitch and just remind players to do their jobs. Back to basics from Steve Cotterill paid early dividends tonight:
“It’s only the new manager effect”, I hear you cry. Well, perhaps there was an element of that – the players certainly seemed to have more energy and a higher workrate than previously; however, keeping shape, not dropping too deep and playing simple passes (not many hoofs tonight, not even from Wes) are clearly things that the manager will have reminded his new charges about. Post-match, Cotterill tried to claim it was all down to the players but also admitted that they are probably fed up of the sound of his voice.
I don’t know if Middlesbrough would class this as a bad performance, but like Forest of the last two seasons, they are a team who add up to being greater than the sum of their parts – except for tonight. Marvin Emnes has scored eight goals this season, but didn’t get a sniff of goal due to Joel Lynch’s continued good form. In midfield, Barry Robson was their biggest threat, but had real trouble getting around the Moose, and Boro’s centre-halves were constantly trouble by Miller and MOTM Tudgay.
A good night at the office – now the real hard work begins…
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