In many ways Brighton are a template of the type of team Michael Carrick hopes to turn Middlesbrough into and, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring twice, they certainly set an example to aspire to. Even before Mac Allister’s second-half introduction Roberto De Zerbi’s side were on top, but the World Cup winner fully emphasised the gap between fifth in the Championship and eighth in the Premier League.
From the moment Mac Allister scored his first goal, an outrageous backheel, no one could possibly argue that Brighton did not deserve their place in the FA Cup’s fourth round. A run of six wins in seven Championship games had bolstered Boro but, despite some encouraging pass-and-move cameos from Carrick’s players, this match was a reminder that they remain in the early stages of the former England and Manchester United midfielder’s overhaul.
