The range of performances turned in by Middlesbrough, have meant that they have been the epitome of ‘patchy’ in terms of results so far in 2024. The euphoric 1-0 win at home to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final seemed a long time ago, as league results – up until the win against Norwich – had threatened to derail Michael Carrick‘s first full season in charge. Disappointing losses to Plymouth and Stoke among others sent the club plummeting down the Championship, with fans rightly sensing a mini-crisis. But Carrick recognised the importance of grinding out some wins to solidify their positio…