Substitute Delano Burgzorg scored a stunning 90th-minute winner as Middlesbrough held off a spirited West Bromwich Albion side to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory at The Hawthorns. The result moves Boro within three points of Championship leaders Coventry, strengthening their promotion hopes.
The match marked the first game under new West Brom head coach Eric Ramsay, but despite a late fightback, the hosts were unable to salvage a point against a resilient Middlesbrough side.
Middlesbrough Take Early Control
Boro took the lead in fortuitous fashion just before half-time. An effort from Alex Gilbert struck the woodwork, and as the ball rebounded, Charlie Taylor was unable to clear, sending the ball into his own net.
The visitors doubled their advantage just before the hour mark. Morgan Whittaker provided the assist for Sam Silvera, who finished low past Josh Griffiths, marking back-to-back league goals for the attacker.
Middlesbrough seemed in control, weathering an early storm from West Brom, who had threatened through Aune Heggebo in the opening minutes, only to be denied by an important save from Sol Brynn.
West Brom Fight Back
West Brom refused to lie down. Isaac Price curled a superb free-kick beyond the Boro wall to pull one back, followed by Jed Wallace sweeping home five minutes later to level the game at 2-2, sparking wild celebrations at The Hawthorns.
Ramsay’s side displayed early promise with a new five-man defensive setup, but a chaotic period in the middle of the game allowed Middlesbrough to regain control. Despite the momentum swing, the Baggies were unable to convert dominance into a winning goal, leaving Ramsay facing questions about his team’s defensive solidity.
Burgzorg Seals Crucial Victory
With the clock ticking, Delano Burgzorg stepped up to score his first goal since August, drilling home a composed finish to secure a vital three points. Boro head coach Kim Hellberg praised his side’s mentality:
“The game was almost done. They scored a goal from almost nothing. They got a lot of energy and have some very good players and then [for us] to come back from that and score a winner in that way [was great]. It was not a long ball, it was not lucky, it was a top-quality goal in the 90th minute and that says everything about this group of lads.”
The late strike not only secured victory but also extended Middlesbrough’s advantage over Ipswich Town, currently third in the Championship, to five points.
West Brom Analysis: Ramsay’s Tough First Game
Ramsay, who previously served as an assistant at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag before moving to MLS side Minnesota, has now begun the challenge of reviving West Brom in the Championship.
“It’s very difficult not to feel very disappointed… coming into this game and irrespective of the outcome, it was going to be information for us as a coaching staff and as players which will give us food for thought as we move into Tuesday,” Ramsay said post-match.
The defeat leaves West Brom in 18th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone, with their next game against Norwich City on Tuesday proving crucial for survival hopes.
Middlesbrough in the Promotion Hunt
Middlesbrough have consistently confounded expectations this season, keeping promotion hopes alive despite managerial changes. Following Rob Edwards’ departure to Wolves, Hellberg took over and won his opening four matches.
A tough Christmas period was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Southampton, putting Boro back in automatic promotion contention. Burgzorg’s winner is a pivotal moment in the promotion race and could prove decisive in Middlesbrough’s quest to end their nine-year Premier League exile.
Player Ratings (Average from BBC Sport Users)
Middlesbrough:
- Adilson Malanda: 7.18 (Player of the Match)
- Jed Wallace: 6.10
- K. Ahearne-Grant: 5.82
- Sam Silvera: 5.74
West Brom:
- Charlie Taylor: 4.68
- Isaac Price: 5.74
- Josh Griffiths: 5.09
Other notable performers included Morgan Whittaker, Aune Heggebo, and Delano Burgzorg, who made the difference with his late strike.
Key Takeaways
- Middlesbrough remain within three points of Coventry and five clear of Ipswich, strengthening their promotion challenge.
- Delano Burgzorg’s 90th-minute winner could be decisive in Boro’s title push.
- West Brom’s new head coach Eric Ramsay faced a baptism of fire in his first match, with a seventh loss in nine games leaving them in 18th.
- The Championship remains highly competitive as Boro target an end to their nine-year Premier League exile.
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