Middlesbrough fans all agree on Alex Gilbert’s performance against Cardiff City.
Michael Carrick‘s side were rampant on their travels to southeast Wales yesterday, as they thumped Cardiff 4-1.
It was Cardiff’s heaviest home defeat of the season and one that saw them drop to 12th in the Championship table, with Boro moving up to eighth.
Matt Clarke, who has enjoyed a terrific campaign, opened the scoring before Fin Azaz, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alex Gilbert netted to round off a resounding away performance.
It makes you wonder, if only Boro had shown this form earlier in the season.
Middlesbrough’s poor start has cost them
Middlesbrough were always fighting an uphill battle for the playoffs after their underwhelming start to the season.
The Teessiders have shown their true potential over the last month or two, suffering just one defeat in 11 games, winning six of those.
They are carrying real momentum into August and if they can keep ahold of their prized assets whilst adding to the squad, they’ll be serious promotion contenders.
Carrick must be backed by the board.
Middlesbrough fans all say the same thing about Alex Gilbert after Cardiff win
Gilbert joined the Riverside outfit last summer from Brentford and he’s had to bide his time for opportunities.
The 22-year-old playmaker made his first start of the season yesterday and he certainly didn’t disappoint, netting a sublime first-time strike in the second-half.
The under-21 Republic of Ireland international also laid on the assist for Finn Azaz’s goal.
Boro fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their views on Gilbert’s marvellous display.
One wrote: “Alex Gilbert man what a player.”
Another added: “Alex Gilbert is technically sooo good.”
A third posted: “Thoroughly thoroughly deserved Alex Gilbert. He’s earned that for his last few performances.”
“Alex Gilbert has ARRIVED ladies and gentlemen,” one fan stated.
A fifth said: “Alex Gilbert, take a bow my friend.”
Carrick was full of praise for his summer signing, speaking post-match: “That’s what Alex can do. We know he’s got goals in him; he’s a terrific finisher.
“So it was not surprising to see him stick that away. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic finish. He’s had good impact when he’s come on recently, so it felt like the next step for him and he took it really well, so we’re really pleased for him.”
