Chris Wilder reveals what he changed ahead of Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win against Cardiff City

Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough travelled to Cardiff City last night and they were able to overcome their opponents to win 2-0. 

Not only was this a boost in terms of keeping their play-off hopes alive, but it also put an end to their goal scoring draught after they had scored just one goal in the five games prior.

Wilder admitted he made a tactical tweak on Wednesday as he played a diamond formation pushing Jonny Howson up the pitch to accompany Riley McGree and having Marcus Tavernier playing as a number ten.

The Boro boss felt this paid off as he told Teesside Live: “We played the diamond and I’ve played it before. It really is a go for shape and what it allows is you to dominate the ball, but it does leave you a little open.

“We had to be mindful that they might have a big more than we wanted them to have, but when we broke it up we were good. I think after we scored I thought we grew into the game.

“We defended well and dealt with all the balls in front. They’ve [Cardiff] got some good young players and they showed that they’re still playing and they’re still wanting to be competitive.

“From out point of view, we limited them. We got a little bit sloppy towards the end, gave the ball away and gave them an opportunity. But we defended great.

“We’ve got to be good in both boxes and I thought we were decent. Luke’s had one save to make just after our second goal, which was an important one but I thought the shape and structure was really good.

“The shape and structure of the team was really good, we countered and 2-0 is a really good result on a big night for us.”

Following that win, Middlesbrough now sit seventh in the Championship table, two points adrift of the play-off places with two games left to play.

For ‘Boro,