Middlesbrough found the going tough on their return to the Premier League in 2016-2017. One of their bright spots was the 2-0 home victory recorded over AFC Bournemouth in October 2016. The first goal on this autumn afternoon was one of the best solo goals of the season from the enigmatic Uruguayan, Gaston Ramirez.
A Bournemouth corner didn’t lead to any significant threat and when Adam Smith’s attempted shot was blocked, the ball fell into the path of Ramirez. The midfielder skipped past Harry Arter before increasing his speed, leaving on-loan Jack Wilshere trailing in his wake. With clear space ahead of him, Ramirez kept going and going, before cutting inside Andrew Surman’s desperate challenge and firing the ball beyond Artur Boruc.
Middlesbrough fans were elated and it won the Carling Goal of the Month for October 2016. It will be a lasting memory of Ramirez for them. He returned to Italian football after their relegation.