All in all a disjointed performance that lacked any real penetration & huge relief when Rob Styles eventually pointed to the spot after Downing brought down Eboue in the box with Thierry burying the resulting penalty.
Lets hope the new stadium syndrome doesn't effect us for to long, remember Man City.
Lehmann - 5 - Nothing to do apart form picking the ball out of the net!
Eboue - 6 - Strong as ever & looked dangerous going forward but wasteful end product.
Toure - 6 - Solid as always but little to do.
Djourou - 5 - Little to do but caught napping for Boro's goal.
Gallas - 4 - Undoubtdly he will be a good signing but didnt look match fit & at fault for Boro's goal.
Hleb - 6 - Forced Schwarzer into a smart save early on, faded.
Cesc - 7 - Tireless & tidy performance, good distribution of the ball.
Gilberto - 6 - A typical non fussy performance, supported Cesc well. Replaced by Rosicky on 69.
Ljungberg - 4 - Looks a shadow of his former self, a player in decline. Replaced by Baptista on 69.
Henry - 6 - Marshalled well by the outstanding Woodgate, not quite himself yet but kept a cool head for the vital penalty.
Van Persie - 5 - Missed a great oppurtunity just after Boro took the lead, replaced by Adebayor on 69.
subs:
Adebayor - 5 - Some nice touches & control.
Rosicky - 6 - Looks class & dangerous in the little time he had.
Baptista - 5 - Built like a heavyweight boxer, will come in handy for Bolton away!!