Well, another two points down the toilet as things become ever more worrying. On the overall balance of play a draw was probably a fair result.

There were some signs of general improvement, particularly in the second half, but for me we still have problems in midfield where we were never really able to establish any degree of control, apart from a spell in the 2nd half during which we scored.

Once again, we failed to create many clearcut chances, were frequently weak in the tackle, and were guilty of giving the ball away far too often.

I’m afraid Nicky Butt was once again the most guilty in this regard, and it was this propensity to give the ball away that invited the late pressure from Boro that lead to their equaliser.

There were a few decent performances. Individually the defenders did ok, and Taylor and Cacapa made some excellent last ditch tackles and blocks, but as a unit they are still unconvincing.

Sad again, but I have to say that the keeper just doesn’t help them with his dithering. N’Zogbia was caught out of position too often for my comfort, but he did some good things going forward.

Duff had a decent performance, and Barton improved markedly in the second half, especially when he moved into the middle when Emre was subbed. For me, Emre once again largely flattered to deceive - however, his free kick for Owen’s near post headed goal was absolutely sublime.

Owen had an early goal very harshly chalked off for a non-existent foul on Schwarzer, who appeared to simply drop the ball, and also put a far post header in the net only to have that one ruled out because Zog’s cross had curled just out if play and back in.

Owen looked more lively than of late, and I thought he looked a little sharper and pacier. Alan Smith was kicked from pillar to post by the big brute, Wheater who was extremely fortunate not be sent off for his second crude first half foul on Smith.

As ever, Smudger stuck to it, and won a few flick-ons, but his overall contribution was disappointing. He was subbed in the second half, after a cheap yellow looked to have wound him up.

Not a convincing performance, but a point gained I suppose. Beye and Faye may improve us defensively, and hopefully Owen will continue to get sharper with games under his belt.

However, I just can’t see what KK can do with this midfield with the personnel at his disposal. Unless or until we can start to dominate in midfield against even the weaker Premier League teams, especially at home, I’m afraid we will continue to struggle.