Some early teething issues but Hellberg era gets off to winning start

HALF-TIME TWEAKS INSPIRE BORO TO COMEBACK VICTORY

- By CRAIG JOHNS

IT looks like it's going to be exciting, that's for sure. The Kim Hellberg era at Middlesbrough began with a victory over Derby County - and Boro's first win from a losing position this season no less.

It was dramatic and not without complication though. There were early teething issues and, against more ambitious sides, signs that Boro will have to be a lot better defensively. Then again, they're unlikely to be as low on defensive numbers again as they are right now. That they came through to win while four centre-backs are out injured says so much about this side's resilience.

Things could hardly have got off to a worse start for the new head coach. There were less than two minutes on the clock when Patrick Agyemang fired the Rams ahead. He took advantage of the high defensive line that Hellberg wants and exploited the space in behind.

That was an early theme of the game. While Boro, as the new head coach wants, were aggressive with their attack and immediately on the front foot, they left themselves open to counter after counter. Alfie Jones had his least comfortable performance for the club yet.

But, to Boro's credit, they dug deep and did enough to restrict Derby as they worked their way through some inevitable early teething issues. Derby had just one shot on target despite the threat on the transition, while at the other end, Boro continued to push and probe.

The problem with conceding such an early game against a John Eustace side is that, having given them something to protect, the game becomes a nightmare scenario for Boro - trying to break down a low block. It's something they've consistently struggled with for a few seasons now.