Aitor Karanka left frustrated as Middlesbrough and West Brom share points

During a week in which Aitor Karanka made his feelings about Middlesbrough’s transfer activity clear, this all-too-familiar performance did not change his train of thought. Boro demonstrated a steady defence, competent midfield but the kind of anodyne attack that can cause a team to slide steadily towards the trap.

This was perhaps a fair result after an entertaining game although West Bromwich Albion were far the more dangerous attacking proposition. James Morrison gave them the lead and Boro equalised through Álvaro Negredo’s penalty, before Tony Pulis’s team struck the post twice in the second half.

It means Middlesbrough have not won a league game in six – since mid-December – and continue their struggles in the final third. The January signings Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede were late substitutes but they made little impact, as Karanka ponders an end-of-season run with little proven firepower. The Watford midfielder Adlène Guedioura was signed on deadline day but major targets were missed.

“I think as a coach you can’t demand anything more from your players. We knew it was going to be a tough game. They [West Brom] are a really good side, they are experienced, have quality and are strong,” said Karanka, who confirmed that the out-of-favour Gaston Ramírez would not be leaving the club this season.

“Today has been another good example that it’s difficult to compete with teams like West Brom. Even when we were doing our best they had chances to score. They looked more experienced and stronger than us. I am happy now because I see my players fighting. The commitment once again has been amazing. With the spirit of the team I’m really confident for the future.”

The match started terribly for Boro, who fell behind to a strike from one of their academy products. Albion swung in a corner from the left and after a melee inside the penalty area Darren Fletcher managed to steer the ball back out to the edge of the area. Morrison was waiting and he swept the ball first time low and into Victor Valdés’s bottom-left corner.

However, Boro were soon level. It was against the flow of the match but Negredo was certainly grateful, winning a penalty after being challenged by Gareth McAuley. The defender did get a toe on the ball but to get there he had scythed the Spanish striker in two. Negredo calmly rolled the ball in past Ben Foster and Middlesbrough were a team renewed.

Adama Traoré was his usual lively self, and his final delivery seemed improved. He even produced a fine block to deny Salomón Rondón as the striker moved in on goal, before Boro came close to being awarded a second penalty. Allan Nyom clearly tripped Cristhian Stuani in a tangle of legs but the referee, Stuart Atwell, was unmoved.

Boro increased their intensity after half-time but struggled to craft any clear scoring opportunities. In contrast, West Brom were not finding their fluency of the opening quarter yet they should have gone in front once more.

Nacer Chadli found space down the right and chipped an inviting ball into the centre. There was Matt Phillips, running in at pace, but the midfielder’s diving header smacked Valdés’s left-hand post, before Rondón sliced the rebound on to the opposite post.

Pulis was satisfied with a point, although he did not believe the penalty should have been given and also revealed that Rondón was not on top form because of a family issue.

“I don’t think it’s a penalty,” Pulis said. “Gareth touches the ball but he shouldn’t have slid in anyway. That changed it, knocked us back. But in the second half I thought we were the team that was eventually going to win the game. We had two great opportunities.

“There’s lots of stuff going round with Salomón. We have to make sure he’s focused. We’ll look after him, he’s a good lad. It’s a personal thing with his family back in Venezuela. We understand where he is at the moment but he worked his socks off for an hour.”

Karanka brought on Bamford with 20 minutes remaining but Boro continued to struggle in the final third. It is easy to understand their manager’s frustrations.