Three points away from home and not a moment too soon. Boro were on a downward spiral, looking devoid of confidence or creativity and few people expected us to get anything against Wigan.
'Experts', bookies and disgruntled fans alike muttered they would be surprised if we managed a draw.
But Boro had other ideas. Ross Turnbull was certainly reading from a different script, one where he made excellent saves, showed composure, bravery and talent and kept his first clean sheet this season. Well done Mr Turnbull.
Plaudits also go to Boro's 'makeshift' defence. Chris Riggott was back on form and Justin Hoyte finally gave us a glimpse of why Southgate bought him by playing very well first half and imposing himself on the game.
And then there was Wheater. There is little to say about Wheater that hasn't already been said. Good in the air, blocks without a thought for his personal safety, gets himself in the box and still has a striker's touch from his pre-pro days. Once again Wheats excelled himself, 'He's One Of Our Own' and long may he wear a Boro shirt.
Fabio Capello may have come to watch Heskey, Downing and possibly Kirkland but Wheater may well have earned himself a spot in England's senior squad.
But Boro still needed a goal. Although we fixed many aspects of our game in this match, particularly in the second half, we created very very little. Two shots on target the whole match is dismal when you have Alves and Mido up front.
Mido has been playing well this season, Alves has not, but the bigger problem is that they seem utterly incapable of forming a partnership. Yesterday Boro's solitary goal came when Alves was substituted and Aliadiere was moved back to up front.
Alves undoubtedly has a better scoring record than Ali but Southgate continues to state that he picks his sides on form not reputation or wages. If that is true then surely there is no way Alves should be an automatic name on the team sheet.
Tuncay when fit can play alongside either Alves or Mido, so can Aliadiere. But Mido and Alves together just doesn't seem to work. Southgate may have to make a decision, leaving one of his star strikers very unhappy...
Mido was reading from his own script yesterday, deciding to defend and frequently ending up in the midfield, depriving Boro of a precious goal outlet.
This season Alves looks like he did in his first few outings at the club, before he started scoring and convinced the fans he was worth the £12 million we paid for him. Yesterday he was not often part of the game and passed the buck, and the ball, on the few occasions he was in a decent position.
Mido and Alves will no doubt complain of a lack of service. Perhaps that explains Mido wandering off downfield, but both are capable of making their own chances and neither looked particularly interested in doing so.
Boro defended for much of the match, as we have tried to do without success at other venues this season, the difference is that this time it worked.
The fans continue to complain about our midfield, and with good reason.
Shawky got kicked all over the park yesterday, whilst O'Neil is all industry and no strength. Gary O'Neil is a player who works constantly for his team, unfortunately he has no physical presence, opponents are not frightened of his pace, his strength or his skill.
Didier Digard is an altogether different prospect. Though young and inexperienced in terms of English football, he can get the ball, move the play forward and looks capable of changing games.
Digard is not the finished article, he loses the ball and looks like he might lose his cool at times, but a run in the team would do him the world of good.
Seconds after coming off the bench and the Frenchman was involved in the game, linking up with his countryman and pushing forward.
Whether it is because they are both French or just have a natural affinity I don't know, but Digard and Aliadiere seem to understand each other.
Both Frenchman were also involved in the goal, Digard passed the ball to Downing who found Aliadiere. Ali controlled the ball with his weaker foot and then switched to stroke the ball home.
The joy was written across his face as his team mates piled on top of him to help him celebrate.
A nice goal and, more importantly, a match winning goal for Boro.
Next up it is Chelsea, we may have injured players returning after the international break but it is crucial Southgate finds the best balance for his team...
First published on www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/fanzone - Oct 08
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