Emil Riis scored against Middlesbrough yet again today as the Preston North End striker continued his ridiculous record against them.
Riis lined up as the spearhead of the PNE attack once again, but this time in an altered system.
Ryan Lowe ditched his trademark back three for a 4-3-3, using Robbie Brady and Ben Woodburn either side of Riis.
There was a time where many would have expected Riis to be lining up on the other side.
RONALDO, BALE AND 5 FAILED PREMIER LEAGUE HOMECOMINGS
Middlesbrough wanted to sign Riis over the summer and BT in Denmark reported that a £7.5million bid – thought to be from Boro – had been submitted to PNE.
North End stood firm, though maybe more because they couldn’t a replacement before the transfer deadline rather than because of the valuation.
Boro may have changed manager, replacing Chris Wilder with Michael Carrick, but you can be sure that they will have known all about Riis.
Chuba Akpom – a Boro striker to benefit from Riis staying at North End – put Middlesbrough ahead with a close-range finish.
Riis responded though, smashing a powerful finish into the roof of the net after Boro failed to clear the danger.
PNE went on to win it as Jordan Storey bagged a late header but Boro will be absolutely cursing Riis.
Whether that’s his record against them or their inability to sign him, we’ll leave up to them,
Riis has now turned out against Boro five times since joining North End in 2020.
The 24-year-old scored his first Deepdale goal against Boro in December 2020 and even picked up an assist for Scott Sinclair too.
The goals have continued to flow against Middlesbrough, with Riis scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory at the Riverside Stadium last season.
Riis then scored twice against Middlesbrough on the final day of last season to kill off their lingering playoff hopes and then added another on Saturday.
That’s five games and five goals against Boro for Riis, who seems to have found his favourite Championship side to play against; let’s hope he’s not playing for them any time soon.