On a weekend where both Chelsea and Manchester United dropped points to Liverpool and Arsenal respectively, it was actually Middlesbrough’s left winger, Stewart Downing with the most inspired performance as he galvanized Boro’s most prolific result under Gareth Southgate.

Middlesbrough absolutely dismantled (5-1) the usually tight, strong walled Bolton squad, leaving Sam Allardyce jawing his cud in disbelief as his team failed to deal with the prospective England left winger.

Downing had a game every winger dreams about as he crossed in for an incredible three assists, before cutting in from the left and firing in on his weaker, right boot to cap off his brilliant, solo performance.

Downing initiated the scoring with his corner kick that the re-instated Portuguese defender, Abel Xavier headed off the post and off Gary Speed’s leg for the opening goal.

The duo were not to be denied though as they combined again with Downing finding Xavier again in the area; this time the defender making no mistake as he nodded home the 2nd goal past the helpless Jaaskelainen. Downing continued with his Midas touch as he found Viduka for the 3rd before firing home one for himself at the closing of the 1st half.

Boro will be bolstered by the performance and will be hoping to transfer that confidence and offensive purpose in the upcoming matches against Hull (FA Cup) and Pompey before they face Arsenal.

McClaren will have certainly made note of Downing’s contributions and perhaps may tinker again with the thought that England can combine down the flanks…sorry, Stewart! the England tactics haven’t evolved to that level yet!

This entry was posted on Monday, January 22nd, 2007 at 10:00 pm and is filed under Soccer World, England. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.