Boro edge Swansea on opening day

Dael Fry captains Middlesbrough and scores the winner as they beat Swansea City 1-0 on the season opener at the Riverside.

Fry Leads Middlesbrough Opening Day Win Against Swansea

Dael Fry wore the armband for Middlesbrough and delivered the winner with a second half header from a corner, as the home side edged Swansea City 1-0 on the opening day. Sol Brynn hardly had a save to make as Boro kept a compact shape and defended well, especially from set pieces. Debutant Callum Brittain started at right back and needed time to adapt to Edwards' system, while the team showed early signs of a planned approach rather than a finished product.

Attack remained a work in progress, but the win stemmed from discipline and a clear game plan. Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris provided energy in midfield, with Sammy Silvera and Morgan Whittaker offering width and pace, even as the final ball and finishing touch lagged behind. The near-miss for Whittaker, which struck the bar in the first half, underscored the gap between intent and execution.

Edwards begins his Middlesbrough tenure with a win that brings momentum but not a breakthrough. The defense looks solid, and set plays again provided the decisive moment, a potential foundation for his preferred compact style. The real work starts in attack where players still need to click and finish chances more consistently. Brittain on debut showed promise but needs time to gel with teammates and the tactical demands of the new system.

Highlights

A promising start for a rebuild, with the real test ahead as the schedule quickens.