How do you solve a problem like Boro right now?

AFTER SIX SUCCESSIVE WINS, IT'S BEEN A FRUSTRATING WEEK AT THE RIVERSIDE

- By CRAIG JOHNS

HOW do you solve a problem like Middlesbrough's goalscoring inconsistency? That’s the million-dollar question that Kim Hellberg must find the answer to, if they're to not let a glorious opportunity to gain promotion slip through their grasp.

After Saturday's frustrating goalless draw with Oxford United, Boro weren't able to rebound in the expected manner. They looked nervous and apprehensive as they drew 1-1 with Leicester City.

In many ways, the problems of the two games were similar. This was ultimately about Boro’s lack of quality in the final third - whether that be in their final ball or their finishing. It's not a new issue for Boro and Hellberg either.

They were very different games and very different performances, however. In many ways, the Leicester one feels more frustrating.

With Oxford, that was simply a case of an opponent having little more ambition than setting up with two deep defensive lines to stifle Boro’s attack. It was frustrating, but sometimes you have to accept that if a team does that well, as Oxford did, teams find that tough to break down.

Leicester was different though. They tried to be more aggressive in their counter. They didn’t sit deep. They were far more advanced when they went on the attack and it left space in behind.