Michael Carrick thinks exciting winger Ben Doak has shown how determined he is to develop at Middlesbrough after helping to secure a 2-0 win over Stoke at the Riverside.
Middlesbrough moved up to eighth in the Championship with the victory that started with Doak’s first goal for Boro.
The 18-year-old, making his first start since arriving on loan from Liverpool, pounced to convert from close range after goalkeeper Viktor Johansson had only palmed Riley McGree’s effort into his path.
That arrived 11 minutes before half-time and was followed by Hayden Hackney’s brilliant second with 17 minutes remaining.
The highly-rated midfielder’s run from deep at the Stoke defence was followed by him rounding former Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson and firing into the top right corner.
Boro boss Carrick said: “The all-round team performance I thought was really good, we controlled a lot of the game and also looked dangerous.
“I was most pleased with our work off the ball. They play a similar style to us, we were conscious of the dangers that brings. But I was pleased.
“There was a ruthlessness and aggression to our game, we had a lot of purpose and created a lot of space for Ben, playing from left to right and we stretched the pitch.
“He looked dangerous and might have got another goal or even two. He showed what he is about and is a real threat. He had an impact.
“He is young, but he has the character and personality, and he has come here keen to develop. I wasn’t surprised. I was pleased to see what he could do.”
Stoke, sat a point above the bottom three, are searching for a first win under new boss Narcis Pelach.
The travelling supporters were frustrated with the team at the final whistle and showed it with a section letting their feelings known.
Pelach, who took over from Steven Schumacher this month, knows it will be a challenge to turn things around but he has seen enough to think Stoke can.
He was, though, disappointed with the free-kick that was awarded to Middlesbrough when Lewis Koumas brought down Emmanuel Latte Lath and that led to Doak’s goal.
Stoke boss Pelach said: “There are positive things. I didn’t expect us to have 50-50 of the ball away at Middlesbrough. And we calmed the stadium down by having passes, but I am not happy with just this. We have to be more clinical in the boxes.
“We are building, changing things fast. The fans are right to say what they feel. They want to see us winning, fighting and scoring goals. I understand the frustrations and we have to focus on the things we can control.
“I’m disappointed with the result, as well as with the performance, and we have to be much more aggressive defensively and offensively. I can see the team is organised in one phase or another, but then it is about doing more things, having more crosses, more balls into the box.
“It was not a foul from Koumas, it was a bad decision. I don’t want to talk about referees each week, but big moments happen every week. It went the other way, and the players are complaining to the referee. I want them to be stronger mentally.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
