Middlesbrough’s recent performances in the Championship have been nothing short of impressive, marking a significant turnaround from their slow start to the season. Despite their playoff hopes fading, Boro’s resilience and improved form under manager Michael Carrick have been notable.
Their recent draw against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town extended their unbeaten run to nine games, showcasing their ability to compete against some of the league’s top sides. While they took the lead through Emmanuel Latte Lath’s header, Ipswich responded swiftly with Massimo Luongo’s equalizer.
Although Ipswich threatened with Jeremy Sarmiento hitting the post, it was Middlesbrough who had the better chances to snatch a victory, with Isaiah Jones and Matt Clarke testing Ipswich’s goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky late in the game.
Despite their commendable performances, Middlesbrough’s playoff aspirations seem unlikely with just three games remaining and an eight-point gap to sixth place. However, their recent resurgence bodes well for the future under Carrick’s leadership.
One notable contributor to Middlesbrough’s recent success has been Latte Lath, whose goals have been crucial. However, the club’s failure to sign a striker during the January transfer window, particularly when Latte Lath was injured, raised speculation about potential reinforcements from the free agent market.
Names like Dwight Gayle were linked with Middlesbrough, but head of football Kieran Scott expressed the difficulties in securing such deals. Despite considering free agents, including Gayle, Middlesbrough ultimately decided against pursuing them. Gayle later joined League One side Derby County, and given his performance there, Middlesbrough may have avoided a potential setback by not pursuing the deal.
Latte Lath had a difficult time following his £5.6 million summer transfer from Atalanta, and he has battled injuries at times this season. However, since regaining his fitness in February, he has made 11 appearances and scored seven goals, bringing his total for the season to 14.
The 25-year-old’s most recent goal against Ipswich on Saturday demonstrated his newly found confidence, but Latte Lath is a tremendous asset for Boro because of his speed and aerial skills in addition to his precision finishing.
Although it remains unclear if Boro would have been better served by bringing in a free agent striker, Latte Lath has cemented his position as the team’s first-choice number nine.
Although Boro may have missed their chance to finish in the top six this season, they are ready to contend the following season with the acquisition of the proper players in the summer, and Latte Lath may be the man to guide them there.