Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Ipswich Town only have themselves to blame for Friday night’s 2–1 loss to Middlesbrough, claiming their tactical setup was far too open for an away fixture.

The Tractor Boys arrived at the Riverside Stadium unbeaten in five matches, but their issues on the road resurfaced once again as they fell short against in-form Boro.

George Hirst’s missed penalty and Cedric Kipre’s unfortunate own goal summed up a chaotic first half in which Town were repeatedly exposed on the counterattack. Despite their strong home form — three straight wins at Portman Road — they remain without an away victory this season.

Merson was unimpressed with the approach. “I was shocked at how open Ipswich were tonight,” he said on Sky Sports. “When you’re away to the team sitting second in the league, you’ve got to show them respect. Sit your back four down, keep your shape, and make it difficult.”

He continued: “Some of those moments before half-time were crazy — the pitch was stretched, huge gaps everywhere, and twice Middlesbrough broke three against one. And that was at 0–0! You only see that kind of chaos when teams are chasing the game in injury time.”

Merson urged Ipswich to rediscover a more pragmatic style if they want to stay in contention near the top. “They need to tighten up, grind out draws away, and keep winning at home. That’s how you build momentum. Right now, they won’t go far unless they fix that away form.”

Hirst’s missed spot-kick came during a frantic 15-minute spell before half-time when Boro keeper Alex Palmer produced a string of fine saves to keep his side level before Kipre’s own goal gifted the hosts the lead.

While some felt the match could have turned had Hirst scored, Merson dismissed that theory. “If Ipswich had gone in 1–0 up, it would’ve papered over the cracks,” he said. “Palmer was the best player on the pitch in that first half — save after save — so you can’t say Ipswich were unlucky. They just didn’t deserve anything from that game.”