Will Lankshear continued his impressive start to the season by finding the net twice in Middlesbrough's 3-1 triumph over West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium. The striker, who joined the club from Tottenham during the summer window, now boasts six goals in his first five appearances, underscoring the impact of his transfer and the team's early-season momentum.
The match opened with a somber moment as the crowd observed a minute's silence in memory of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, the two police officers who lost their lives on the nearby A66 when a vehicle traveling the wrong way collided with their marked police car. Their sacrifice was honoured before the first whistle, setting a reflective tone for the proceedings. Middlesbrough began brightly, creating an early chance when Isaac Price slipped a neat back‑pass to Riley McGree.
The Australian midfielder, however, flicked his first‑time effort wide, missing an opportunity to put the home side ahead. West Brom responded with a promising move of their own; Jayson Molumby threaded a precise through‑ball that left the Boro defence exposed, only for Felix Myhre to sweep his shot harmlessly over the bar. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides probing for an opening but failing to convert. A tactical adjustment was forced on Middlesbrough when Jeremy Sarmiento limped off with an injury, prompting manager Kim Hellberg to introduce his recent summer signing, Sebastian Berhalter, at the break in an effort to inject fresh energy into the side.
The second half began with controversy. In the third minute after the interval, Morgan Whittaker unleashed a shot that struck the post.
The rebound glanced off West Brom goalkeeper Max O'Leary's head and looped back into the penalty area, where Lankshear, who had been caught in an off‑side position, managed to head the ball into the net. The goal sparked debate but stood, giving Boro a 1-0 lead.
West Brom soon equalised. In the 65th minute, Isaac Price delivered a superb cross from the left flank.
Jimmy‑Jay Morgan, positioning himself cleverly between Luke Ayling and Neto Borges, rose to meet the ball and headed it past O'Leary, restoring parity at 1-1. The goal highlighted West Brom's resilience and the fine margins that were dictating the match. Middlesbrough's response was swift and decisive. Substitute Kyle Joseph, brought on to add pace, unleashed an angled strike that O'Leary managed to block with his legs.
The rebound fell kindly to Lankshear, who calmly volleyed home to make it 2-1. This second goal showcased Lankshear's predatory instincts and his ability to capitalize on second‑ball situations. The final blow came three minutes from time when Alfie Jones, another substitute, found space inside the box and turned a misplaced shot from Ayling into the net, sealing a 3-1 victory for the home side. Jones' goal effectively put the match beyond West Brom's reach and cemented Middlesbrough's dominant performance in the second half.
Post‑match, Hellberg praised his team's turnaround, noting the stark contrast between the first and second halves. "I'm delighted with the win. The way we pressed and created chances after the break was outstanding," he said. He admitted the first half had been sub‑par, citing a lack of intensity and poor pressing structure that allowed West Brom to retain possession for extended periods.
"We were tired, made basic mistakes, and didn't win enough duels. The second half showed what this team can become when we execute our game plan," he added. West Brom manager James Morrison reflected on his side's performance, acknowledging the frustration of conceding a goal that appeared to be off‑side. "We talk a lot about managing momentum and the start of halves.
The first goal was questionable, but we need to focus on creating our own chances," Morrison remarked. He emphasized that his squad was still in a developmental phase, learning from setbacks and aiming to grow stronger as the season progresses. Beyond the on‑field action, the match was part of a broader narrative for Middlesbrough, who had recently celebrated a Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster. The win over West Brom marked their second consecutive home triumph in the Sky Bet Championship, reinforcing their position as early contenders for promotion.
In summary, Will Lankshear's brace highlighted his seamless adaptation to Championship football, while Middlesbrough's tactical adjustments and second‑half vigor turned a tightly contested game into a convincing win. The team's ability to respond to adversity, coupled with strategic substitutions and a renewed pressing intensity, will be key themes as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.