Middlesbrough of England midfielder, John Mikel Obi has come under knocks from his coach, Tony Pulis, after failing to convert a chance that came his way during a 2-1 loss to Preston North End.
Although it was a slim opportunity that came Mikel’s way during Boro’s midweek encounter, sports247.ng reports that it was one of several lost chances by the entire squad, and Pulis felt let down by it all.
Mikel’s coach was fuming, after Middlesbrough lost for the second home game in a row, with the latest slump coming after they let a lead slip at the feet of the visitors from Preston.
Pulis was also left fuming at the referee, Keith Stroud’s controversial decision to send off Boro defender, Daniel Ayala just after the hour when they led 1-0 courtesy of Ashley Fletcher’s 32nd-minute opener.
In-form Preston, who are now unbeaten in 11 games, leveled from the resulting free-kick when Paul Gallagher’s brilliant effort found the net.
With eight minutes remaining, substitute Jayden Stockley headed in the winner to lift Preston to within two points of the play-off zone, of which Mikel and his colleagues are now in danger of dropping out of.
Before being sent off, Ayala shaved the upright when he stretched to meet Fletcher’s flick on from Lewis Wing’s corner.
A few minutes later Mikel turned and drilled low against the inside of the near post and Preston cleared their lines.
There were further chances for Boro to increase their advantage before the break, but the home team continued to miss chances.
Howson then missed the target from 12 yards when it looked easier to convert Wing’s cross.
With eight minutes remaining Preston celebrated the match winner, when Stockley headed in from close range as Pearson’s deflected shot dropped invitingly for him, much to the chagrin of Mikel’s coach.
Pulis lamented: “Before the red card, if you create the opportunities and chances we have, we’ve got to be more than 1-0 up.
“I have been at the club for 14 months and haven’t stopped talking about the chances in the final third that we throw away.”
