Middlesbrough 2-0 Cardiff City: Bluebirds' winning streak halted after disappointing Boro defeat

Cardiff City's four-match winning streak came to a screeching halt with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough on Teesside.

The Bluebirds were hit for two second-half goals from Isaiah Jones and Emmanuel Latte Lath, but really struggled to impose themselves on the game at all, truth be told. They showed the hosts far too much respect and got punished for it. A disappointing evening for Erol Bulut and his charges.

Pre-game, it was evident that Cardiff's injury woes were really taking their toll. Jamilu Collins and Yakou Meite are the latest casualties, missing at the Riverside after picking up knocks in the win over Rotherham United at the weekend. Add that to Aaron Ramsey, Callum O'Dowda and Josh Bowler and suddenly things aren't looking too clever.

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It meant a shift in formation and personnel, with Ebou Adams coming in for only his second Championship start of the season, being deployed at right-back, and Ollie Tanner replacing Meite out on the wing.

It was clear from the off, though, that this was going to be a war of attrition. Michael Carrick's side had been drilled to within an inch of their lives and refused to lift the ball off the floor, trying to pass their way through Cardiff's midfield. The visitors, by contrast, packed the middle of the park to combat Boro's passing game and it made for a tough watch at times.

Both teams had to work hard for their openings, but when Cardiff's first big chance came, they should have done better. Kion Etete was brave to slide in and nick the ball in front of Dael Fry, taking a heavy