Ashley Phillips scored a stoppage-time winner to seal a chaotic 4-3 victory for Middlesbrough over Norwich City at the Riverside Stadium. The result moves Boro up to sixth in the Championship with 10 points from their opening five games.
Sebastian Berhalter scored twice for the hosts, with Amario Cozier-Duberry also on target in a match that featured seven goals. Norwich had taken the lead inside the first minute through Mohamed Toure, but Middlesbrough responded quickly through Berhalter and Cozier-Duberry, both assisted by Tommy Conway. Berhalter added his second before half-time to give Boro a 3-1 lead.
Norwich fight back
The visitors mounted a strong comeback in the second half. Substitute J. Makama pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, and Jacob Wright levelled the scores just five minutes later. Middlesbrough, who had seen Riley McGree booked for a foul, looked to have thrown away their advantage.
Phillips delivers
With the game heading for a draw, substitute Ashley Phillips, who had replaced Alfie Jones at half-time, rose highest to head home in the first minute of added time. The late strike sparked wild celebrations on the Riverside touchline and secured all three points for Michael Carrick's side. Phillips was later booked for a foul, one of 13 committed by Boro on the day.
Despite having less possession, Middlesbrough created more chances, registering 17 shots to Norwich's 13.
"It was a proper Championship game, end to end," said Carrick after the match. "The character the lads showed to find a way to win at the end was fantastic. We showed real spirit."
The victory sets up a key home fixture against Millwall this Tuesday. Millwall currently sit eighth, just two points behind Middlesbrough, in what promises to be another tight Championship contest. Phillips's decisive contribution came in just his second appearance for the club since joining on loan from Tottenham.
