Paul Merson, a former Middlesbrough player and current Sky Sports pundit, did not hold back in his criticism of Ipswich Town’s performance against Boro. Despite showing signs of improvement leading up to the match at the Riverside Stadium, Kieran McKenna’s side faced a tough loss.
Even though many expected Town’s recent form to continue against Boro, their shortcomings in defense led to a 2-1 defeat with goals from Cedric Kipre (own goal) and Morgan Whittaker for Middlesbrough, while Dara O’Shea netted one for Ipswich.
Merson, during post-match analysis on Sky Sports, expressed concern about Ipswich’s open and vulnerable approach to the game against a strong opponent like Middlesbrough. He emphasized the importance of defensive solidarity and respect when playing away, especially against tough opposition.
Highlighting Ipswich’s struggles on the road, Merson pointed out their eight-game winless run away from home and stressed the need for McKenna to address this issue promptly. Despite having a strong squad, Ipswich’s lackluster performance in away matches is hindering their potential for success, according to Merson.
Merson’s analysis underscored the significance of balancing strong home form with positive results on the road for a promotion-bound team. He urged Ipswich to focus on shoring up their defense and being more strategic in their away games to improve their chances of success in the Championship.
