Middlesbrough’s play-off hopes were dealt a blow last night, as they were held to a score draw away at Hull City.
Ordinarily, a point away at Hull would’ve been viewed as a positive result, but given Boro need to surmount a six-point gap on Norwich City, who occupy sixth, they had to win, really.
Though, Michael Carrick‘s side are still in the mix and anything can happen in the Championship, unlikelier things have occurred.
Middlesbrough‘s run of form has been phenomenal of late and defender Matt Clarke puts that down to a change they’ve made.
Matt Clarke believes there has been a change of mentality at Middlesbrough
Clarke missed the first part of the season with a back injury and made his return whilst Boro were in a tough run of form.
He’s been an ever-present for the last couple of months and he’s noticed a change in mentality, which has really contributed to an upturn in form.
“I’m pleased with the run we’re on because when I first came into the team, we weren’t in the best form. To be playing and sort of in a team that’s playing some good stuff and getting some results is pleasing,” Clarke said.
“I think it’s sort of been a mentality change, more than anything you know, too many times this season we’ve gave ourselves too much to do, sort of been 2-0 down at half-time and chasing the game.
“So yes, it’s been a sort of mentality switch, let’s stay in the game, let’s trust that we’ll come strong and we’ll find that chance and we’ll make the breakthrough, so yes it’s been pleasing.”
Middlesbrough’s incredible run of form
Middlesbrough haven’t lost in eight matches, having picked up five victories and three draws in that time.
Their last defeat came at the very beginning of March when they suffered a 2-0 defeat on the road at Stoke City.
Over the last seven games, they find themselves top of the Championship table with 15 points, one more than second-placed Leeds United, as per Transfermarkt.
That will give Carrick and his staff great belief heading into the final four games of the campaign, which they’ll likely have to win to stand any chance of a top six finish.
Up next is a trip to Portman Road to face automatic promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town.