Boro’s reputation as Big Four conquerors is on the decline

Middlesboro/Arsenal, 12.45pm Sat, Sky S1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Middlesbrough have been the thorn in Arsenal’s side in recent years but there are a few signs that suggestion that Arsene Wenger will finally get the better of Gareth Southgate in this weekend’s Saturday lunchtime game, which they are 4/5 to win with Bet365 and Boylesports:

The Big Four conquerors

» Of the thirteen non Big Four clubs who were constant members of the Premier League in 2006-07 and 2007-08, only West Ham (18) took more points against the Big Four than Middlesbrough, who were tied with Portsmouth on thirteen.

» Boro have been the most consistent at taking points off the big clubs. Whereas West Ham took 12 in 06-07 but dropped to 6 in 07-08 and Pompey went from 9 to 4, Gareth Southgate’s side took seven points off the Big Four in his first season then six in his second.

» Arsenal have been the most regular victims of Middlesbrough’s upsets. The Gunners haven’t beaten Boro in any of the four games since Gareth Southgate took charge.

» Wenger’s side have gone three years without a win at the Riverside and have lost three of their last five visits, winning just once.

» Last season in particular, Middlesbrough caused Arsenal huge problems. Last December they the Gunners 2-1 at home to hand them their first defeat of the season and their only one against non-Big Four opposition then in the return at the Emirates, a late Kolo Toure equaliser gained Arsenal a point but it was on that day that they lost the top spot to Manchester United, after which they never regained it.

Why Boro are not so scary right now

» Middlesbrough have lost their first meetings with both Liverpool and Chelsea this season. That hasn’t happened for ten years and on that occasion Arsenal demolished them 6-1 at the Riverside.

» Southgate’s side have gone three home games without a win and have taken maximum points from just one of the last six they have hosted. Prior to that they had won three successive home games.

» Middlesbrough have lost five of their seven games against top half teams this season, losing both of the ones that were held at the Riverside.

» Arsenal have won all three games that Cesc Fabregas has started since his appointment as permanent captain - against Dynamo Kiev, Chelsea and Wigan.

» The Gunners have lost their last two away games, against Burnley and Porto, but not since January 2006 have they lost three in succession. On the last two occasions they have lost two in a row they have bounced back from style in the third - last season recovering from losses to Liverpool and Manchester United by putting six past Derby and earlier this season bouncing back from defeats to Stoke and Manchester City with a win at Stamford Bridge.

Posted: December 12th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn |