48' Minute –
The second half resumed with an edge. Bradford's sharpness—so visible in the first 45—began to dull at the fringes. Passes weren't quite as crisp, the pressing not quite as coordinated. And Middlesbrough, sensing the shift, pressed higher.
It began with a poor clearance from Kang Min-Jae under pressure. The ball landed awkwardly at Chapman's feet just inside his own half. He took a heavy touch and tried to recover—but was half a second late.
The Boro No. 10—quick, alert, already on the move—snatched it and turned upfield. Barnes stepped forward to intercept, but was pulled wide. Suddenly, space opened like a wound down the center.
Chapman lunged from behind, desperate to make amends, but missed both man and ball.
Commentator (Ian Darke):
"Sloppy there from Chapman… and Boro are in!"
The shot came from just outside the box. Low, skimming, arrowing toward the bottom left corner.
But Emeka had read it.
