British footballers have learned much from continental footballers. Too much perhaps.
While most of what they have picked up - such as improved technique and better diet - has been beneficial, less admirable is the increasing inclination to resort to theatrical gestures to shift the blame for personal incompetence.
The endless shrugging and pointing that went on yesterday told you all you need to know about the standard of this game.
The presence of Marcus Bent in attack less than 48 hours after his signing from Blackburn Rovers smacked of desperation on Ipswich's part.
Despite occasional signs of rustiness Bent's movement and pace gave the visitors a new and much-needed dimension up front. Some of their passing was impressive and might have had a reward after 15 minutes when Armstrong headed Jamie Clapham's cross down for Jermaine Wright to volley powerfully against the covering Gareth Southgate.
Clapham himself shot too high shortly afterwards and Sixto Peralta was only inches away from converting the midfielder's cross on the half hour. Bent should surely have had a penalty after being bundled over by Franck Queudrue, and just before the break the striker flicked a Mark Venus free-kick inches wide.
In the second half Carlos Marinelli, Middlesbrough's liveliest presence, brought a good save from Matteo Sereni, and he did equally well in twice saving from Alen Boksic soon after.
But the best chances continued to fall to Ipswich. Peralta took himself by surprise in dribbling through the defence, hesitating long enough to allow Gareth Southgate to get back and make the tackle, and then Pablo Counago, on for Alun Armstrong, was freed inside the area. With time to spare the Argentine clipped the ball past the advancing Mark Crossley only for the shot to come back off the post.
His head was still in his hands when the rebound arrived at his feet, and by the time he was concentrating on football again it was too late.
"We were tremendous against Inter on Thursday, and to show so much energy and commitment, especially in the second half, was pleasing," said the ever-positive George Burley.
MIDDLESBROUGH: Crossley, Southgate, Ehiogu, Stockdale, Queudrue, Greening, Marinelli (Hudson 89), Johnston (Wilson 77), Mustoe, Nemeth (Windass 75), Boksic. Subs Not Used: Beresford, Cooper.
IPSWICH: Sereni, Hreidarsson, Makin, Bramble, Venus, Clapham, Holland, Wright, Marcus Bent (Naylor 67), Armstrong (Counago 62), Peralta (Tommy Miller 75). Subs Not Used: Branagan, Gaardsoe. Booked: Naylor.
Referee: D Pugh (Bebington).
