Middlesbrough’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last night secured their fate. Relegation is now inevitable after only one season in the Premier League.
Yesterday’s fixture was always going to be tough for a team fighting to stay up. Chelsea are on their way to a fifth Premier League title and were merciless. They registered 21 shots throughout the game and their attacking play was threatening.
Boro saw very little of the ball throughout the game, registering only two shots in 90 minutes. The game was extremely one-sided. Stamford Bridge has been a tough stadium for any opponent this season. The Middlesbrough men could not rise above it.
This loss means that Middlesbrough will now be back in the Championship next season, along with Sunderland. They go down having only reached 28 points. The third team to be relegated is yet to be confirmed, with a couple of teams still facing that prospect.
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It is safe to say that this Middlesbrough side struggled with their new status as a promoted club. The Premier League is tough, and Middlesbrough never really found their feet. They only scored 26 goals all season.
It is a disappointing outcome. Middlesbrough won promotion last season after finishing second in a competitive Championship league. As with any club who plays in the Premier League, expectations are high.
Ben Gibson, Middlesbrough’s captain, reflected on the season after the loss to Chelsea.
"“After the highs of last season, to be honest we’ve wasted an opportunity to play in the best league in the world.. we have to put it right and make sure we come back stronger”."
Middlesbrough had been a steady Premier League team for years, until their first relegation in 2009. As a club, they do have the ability to maintain their place, but they couldn’t do so this season. Their best efforts just weren’t enough.
Of course, there are issues that are presented with relegation that may hinder a team’s development for years to come. It is not usually the case that a team relegated will be promoted again after one season. Relegation comes with further punishment of funding cuts and struggling to compete for players. There are always exceptions, however, and Middlesbrough may find themselves back in the Premier League in 2018. This will now surely be the long-term aim for the club.
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Middlesbrough have two more fixtures to play against Southampton and Liverpool. Whilst their season has been underwhelming, they will hopefully be able to enjoy their last games in the Premier League.