Middlesbrough got back to winning ways in midweek when they faced Bolton Wanderers at The Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough won the game 2-0 with thanks to goals from George Saville and Britt Assombalonga, and puts Boro back into second place behind Leeds United.
The Riverside saw its first taste of George Saville in a red and white shirt, and its safe to say he impressed on his home debut, netting the opening goal of the night and dictating play in the middle of the park.
Saville joined Middlesbrough from Millwall initially on loan, with Boro having agreed a fee of £8 million to sign the player on a permanent deal next summer.
Here are some reactions to the midfielder’s first start for his new club:
I'm already very fond of you, George.
— Rob Scott (@RobSc0tt) September 19, 2018
This Boro supporter compared Saville to former captain of the side Barry Robson, who played for the Teessiders between 2010 and 2012.
I was very impressed last night … seemed to find them pockets upfront . But defensively was very solid, Reminds me of a young Barry Robson . And that's a serious compliment.#UTB
— Paul Broomfield (@broomy21) September 20, 2018
Impressed very impressed…….👍👍👍
— tny (@tnypeo) September 20, 2018
This Middlesbrough fan felt that although the game wasn’t full of action, there were positives throughout the 90 minutes, and felt there was far more positivity with the chosen midfield three of Saville, Jonny Howson and Adam Clayton than in previous weeks.
Dull game but 3points – efficient & job done. Impressed with Saville, didn't put a foot wrong and always looked to get in the box. Clayton and Howson played well. Also though McQueen looked useful in his 20mins on the pitch. #Boro #UTB
— Paul '78 (@Gibson_Is_King) September 19, 2018
Middlesbrough now face Swansea City at the weekend at The Riverside, and this fan feels that the positives from last nights fixture have to be taken into the game on Saturday afternoon.
Defiantly wasn’t pretty, but 3 points is 3 points! Clayton Stood out for me! Saville not a foot wrong all night, got his goal and possibly stopped one from going in with that last ditch tackle. And you can see how Important it is keeping Braithwaite. #UTB roll on Saturday!
— Stuart Mooney (@studdy2k) September 19, 2018
Tony Pulis gave Saville a chance, along with Jordan Hugill, to make their first starts for the club in the Championship. Both players were impressive and will have given the Boro boss a headache ahead of the important clash against Swansea in two days time.