After a heartbreaking exit in the playoff semifinals to Coventry City a couple years ago, many assumed Middlesbrough would be right back up in the top six or even top two last season. However, due to a considerable injury crisis; losing many of their key players from the year before; and inexplicable losses plus a poor run of form to start the season last year, Middlesbrough finished eighth to conclude their campaign. As the season ended last year, Middlesbrough finished on a blistering run of form that saw them lose only once in the last month and a half. That run of form had people thinking that if Middlesbrough invested in a few key areas, that they’d be right in the top six mix this year. How has that turned out so far? Well, actually, not half bad but it still feels complicated.

Summer Comings and Goings

As the summer transfer window opened, it was very clear that Middlesbrough were not going to sell any of the backbone of the team unless they got absolutely insane money back. Despite these declarations from the likes of manager Michael Carrick and general manager Kieran Scott, Middlesbrough fans were still sceptical having seen the likes of Morgan Rogers, Chubba Akpom, and Marcus Tavernier leave on transfers in the past. However, it actually seemed true as bids for players such as Rav van den Berg, Hayden Hackney, and Emmanuel Latte Lath rejected consistently.

To start off their window, Middlesbrough signed loanee from last year, Luke Ayling, to a permanent deal along with securing Michael Carrick’s future at the club for the foreseeable future. Next, the Australian international Riley McGree signed a four year contract making sure he wasn’t leaving any time soon. Delano Burgzorg, a striker from Mainz, was the next signing to come through the door. Then, Aiden Morris, a young United States promising international midfielder was signed to bolster a midfield that had Hayden Hackney and Daniel Barlasser.

Middlesbrough then in a bit of surprise, scooped up the signature of promising Man City prospect Micah Hamilton while getting loan deals for Ben Doak from Liverpool and George Edmundson from Ipswich Town done. This was thought to be a great transfer window by Middlesbrough fans, but then it was made even better by another surprise coup in snagging striker Tommy Conway from Bristol City. Finally, to end the incomings, Middlesbrough signed left back Neto Borges from Clermont Foot in France. Some of the outgoing included Hayden Coulson on loan to Blackpool, Bryant Bilongo on loan to Bristol Rovers, and Josh Coburn on loan to Millwall.

Overall, this window was viewed as a massive success especially since Middlesbrough were able to keep their big names and bring in some promising talent as well. This looked to be an exciting season.

Inconsistent Consistency

Last year, Middlesbrough were doomed in their chase for a playoff spot by a slow start to the season. This year felt no different to start the campaign as while Middlesbrough gained points more consistently than last year, it felt far more hard earned than it should have been. Middlesbrough would lose some inexplicable games where they would dominate the vast majority of the game in terms of possession and shots, but those shots never seemed to find the back of the net.

Compounding the problem were some inexplainable mistakes at the back that allowed teams to score goals. Just look at losses to Derby County, Bristol City, and Sunderland as prime examples of losses like this. Even draws to Portsmouth, Preston North End, and Norwich City are good examples of this. In fact, for the majority of this season, Middlesbrough has led the xG table and created the most chances of anyone in the Championship.

Middlesbrough have only been able to find back to back wins twice so far this campaign, and yet somehow they are only one point off the playoffs coming into the international break this week. With that being the case, one can understand why fans would be frustrated.

Things Are Finally Looking Up

While it has been frustrating at times for Middlesbrough supporters, it is quite encouraging to see that in only two games in the last month Middlesbrough have failed to score a goal. One of those outings coming while being down to ten men. Recently, it does feel like Middlesbrough are finally starting to convert their chances and stabilize themselves at the back for the most part. The general feeling of late has been that once Middlesbrough start converting their chances, they will be a very dangerous side in a Championship that actually feels wide open.

Middlesbrough are still in the top five in the Championship xG table and are one of the better defensive sides in the league this season. The midfield trio of Finn Azaz, Aiden Morris, and Hayden Hackney has been a rock solid partnership that can easily turn defence into attack. Ben Doak has become a fan favourite on Teeside with his incredible rampaging runs and incredible chance creation. Tommy Conway and Emmanuel Latte Lath are both starting to come into form nicely as well.

With Finn Azaz, who leads the Championship in chances created, giving them the opportunity to create and passing devastating balls into the attacking third, it’s hard to not be optimistic about Middlesbrough creating more and more chances as the season wears on. The defence has also cleaned up a lot of mistakes in recent weeks, despite the occasional ugly game. The only question will be if they can find a hot patch of form that they can use to take advantage of a very compact table. If that happens, Middlesbrough are set up for success.

As seen above, there are plenty of reasons to feel conflicted about Middlesbrough’s chances at getting promoted. However, one could reasonably argue that the chances are looking quite favourably. With the propensity to create chances aplenty, a stout defence, and goals finally going in the back of the net, the only thing to do is string results together.

Middlesbrough have the ability to do that very thing in them, it’s just a question if they will. Middlesbrough, in their current state, feel like one of the best teams in the Championship, and they are often stating their ambition to be up there with the likes of Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Sunderland. It sure feels like that this could be their year. Middlesbrough are built for success, and their fans want to dare to hope. They just want to see that success happen unlike the previous two years.