Middlesbrough 2-4 Coventry City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Middlesbrough 2-4 Coventry City in the Championship on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Coventry City took control early on, with Ellis Simms finding the net in the 10th minute, assisted by Victor Torp, followed quickly by Liam Kitching's goal in the 14th minute, assisted by Matt Grimes. Middlesbrough responded before the break, as Morgan Whittaker scored in the 32nd assisted by Alfie Jones, pulling them back into the contest. Just before half-time, Coventry made a change with Ellis Mason-Clark replacing Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 41st minute.

The second half saw Middlesbrough level things up through an own goal in the 49th minute. Still, Coventry pushed late to secure the win with Kitching scoring again in the 85th unassisted, followed by Simms' second in the 86th, assisted by Jay Dasilva.

Substitutions played a role, with Middlesbrough bringing on Matt Targett for Aaron Morris at 46', Sontje Hansen for Riley McGree at 59', and then Delano Burgzorg for Whittaker and Kaly Sene for Tommy Conway at 81'. Coventry adjusted with Kaine Kesler-Hayden for Josh Eccles at 55', and then Jack Rudoni for Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Jamie Allen for Torp at 76'.

Middlesbrough dominated possession with 60% compared to Coventry's 40%, which allowed them more time on the ball but didn't translate into enough clear chances, as evidenced by their 8 corners against Coventry's 3. However, Coventry were far more effective in attack, recording 57 successful dribbles to Middlesbrough's 18, helping them break through and rack up 3 assists to Middlesbrough's 1, ultimately influencing their ability to score late and seal the result.

No cards were issued in the match, keeping it clean, while Middlesbrough used 4 substitutions and Coventry 4, with key changes like Middlesbrough's double switch at 81' where Burgzorg replaced Whittaker and Sene came on for Conway, potentially aiming to freshen the attack but coming too late to turn the tide.

The match turned on Coventry's quick start, with Simms opening the scoring at 10' and Kitching adding another at 14', putting Middlesbrough on the back foot early. Middlesbrough fought back with Whittaker's goal at 32' and benefited from an own goal on 49' to draw level, but the decisive moments came late as Kitching struck again at 85' and Simms at 86' to wrap up the victory.

Impact substitutions included Coventry's early change at 41', where Mason-Clark replaced Thomas-Asante, and their double switch at 76', bringing on Rudoni and Allen for Sakamoto and Torp, which helped maintain momentum heading into the closing stages.

Middlesbrough lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, relying on a solid defensive base while pushing wing-backs forward to support the attack, with understandings like Whittaker and Jones proving key in their goalscoring efforts.

Coventry City deployed a 4-2-3-1 setup, allowing their midfield duo to control the base. Meanwhile, the attacking trio behind Simms created opportunities, highlighted by effective links between players like Eccles and the attacking midfielders.

Ellis Simms earned Man of the Match honours for Coventry City with a brace in their 4-2 victory, scoring in the 10th and 86th minutes while playing the full 90. Despite zero assists, big chances created, or key passes, his clinical finishing proved pivotal in securing the points against a possession-dominant Middlesbrough side.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 2-4 vs Coventry City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Oxford United (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Birmingham City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Watford (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 4-2 vs Middlesbrough (A)
• Win: 3-2 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Stoke City (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Sheffield United (H)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Wrexham (A)

Middlesbrough, currently sitting third with 30 points, face Derby County away on 29 November at 15:00, and this 2-4 defeat could dent their confidence after failing to convert 60% possession into a result. With no new injuries or suspensions evident from this match, they’ll need to tighten defensively to avoid similar early concessions, potentially using their corner threat to build on recent form against a mid-table opponent.

Coventry City, top of the table with 40 points, host Charlton Athletic on 29 November at 15:00, buoyed by this convincing 4-2 win that showcased their finishing prowess despite being outpossessed. The late goals from Simms and Kitching highlight their resilience, which could carry momentum into the next fixture, with no apparent issues from cards or injuries affecting their strong position.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.