Middlesbrough's unbeaten start to life in the Premier League came to an abrupt end at the hands of a clinical Crystal Palace on Saturday. Uncharacteristic errors from some of Boro's usually reliable players offered Alan Pardew's men the chance to kickstart their stuttering season with a 2-1 victory on Teesside. A late surge from Aitor Karanka's side was not enough to steal a share of the points and this result will serve as a wakeup call with even tougher tests to come.
Positives
Boro showed commendable steel not to cave after conceding for a second time and regrouped to push for an equalising goal throughout the latter stages of the match. Marten de Roon's second-half introduction after recovering from an injury suffered in the season opener against Stoke may prove to be the biggest positive of the day. He showed an urgency and bite in midfield that swung the direction of the game in Boro's favour and his contributions will be valuable in big tests coming up against Spurs and Everton.
Negatives
Middlesbrough conceded two goals in a home game for the first time since August 2014 -- a stat that tells its own story in terms of Boro's modus operandi under Karanka. It was even more alarming that both goals were avoidable as Boro paid the price for playing with a slow tempo and being guilty of a series of unforced errors. Compounded by below-par performances from the likes of George Friend and Adam Clayton, this game will be one that the Teessiders want to move on from quickly.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Karanka will be as disappointed as anybody with the manner in which his side conceded the two goals. Often criticised for his inflexibility, the boss was swift and decisive in hauling off a misfiring Clayton and struggling Viktor Fischer just before the hour mark -- a double switch that pushed Boro closer to, but ultimately short of a valuable point at home. His choice not to bring on Jordan Rhodes will irk some fans, but it was clear that Boro required an injection of pace which Adama Traore tried to bring to the table.
Player ratings
GK Victor Valdes, 6 -- Could do nothing to prevent either goal and made a strong stop in the first half to keep the game within Boro's reach. Had little work to contend with overall.
DF Antonio Barragan, 6 -- Barragan has made an impressive start to life on Teesside and he largely continued that progress here. Good composure on the ball and a commitment to pushing forward were positives, but he struggled to keep a lid on a roaming Andros Townsend.
DF Ben Gibson, 6 -- Came close to scoring with a rasping drive that forced Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to tip over in a rare venture forward from the promising centre back. He enjoyed a fair battle against the aerial threat of Christian Benteke and acquitted himself well.
DF Daniel Ayala, 6 -- Scored a powerful header from a Stewart Downing corner to draw Boro level, but the rest of Ayala's performance fell short of his usual standard. Wasteful in possession and beaten too easily by a towering Benteke for the first goal.
DF George Friend, 4 -- An afternoon to forget for Friend, who suffered probably his worst game in a Boro shirt to date. At fault for gifting Wilfried Zaha a golden path to goal, Friend looked out of sorts throughout. He remained an outlet going forward but Boro suffered without his usual verve and edge.
MF Adam Forshaw, 6 -- Tidy as ever on the ball and grew into the game after a shaky going in the opening exchanges. Recycled possession effectively and always looked to get his side moving forward.
MF Adam Clayton, 5 -- Fell far below his usual stellar standard and struggled through an error-strewn afternoon. Lacking his usual intensity, Clayton has work to do to regain his place in the starting XI.
MF Cristhian Stuani, 5 -- Ineffectual out wide and guilty of losing possession in promising areas. Along with his poor decision-making, Stuani continues to blow hot and cold on the right side of midfield for Boro.
MF Viktor Fischer, 5 -- Struggled to truly make an impact on the game, but played a great through ball for Alvaro Negredo, a shining moment in a testing first half. Perhaps guilty of playing too deep and leaving the front man isolated, Fischer needs more time to settle in order to be able to display his talent.
MF Stewart Downing, 7 -- Comfortably Boro's best player on an afternoon with little to shout about, Downing's experience kept the team moving forward and he remained a good outlet when under pressure. Came close to opening his account for the season with a shot that flashed wide of the post.
FW Alvaro Negredo, 6 -- Largely isolated and fed little of the ball to work with but guilty, not for the first time in a Boro shirt, of wasting a more than presentable opportunity when played through on goal by Fischer. Negredo looked sharper for the international break and battled willingly against a physical Palace backline.
Substitutes
MF Marten de Roon, 7 -- De Roon's return from injury on 56 minutes was a timely boost for Boro as he changed the side's outlook with an increased urgency. Instrumental in disrupting Palace's attempts to remain on the front foot in the second half, De Roon is set to play a key role for Boro as they look to survive their first season back in the top flight.
MF Gaston Ramirez, 6 -- Entered the fray alongside De Roon in the 56th minute and tried to be the link between midfield and Negredo which Fischer had struggled with previously. Earned himself a needless yellow card for dissent shortly after but used his frustration to good effort and looked a likely source of promise for the rest of the game.
MF Adama Traore, N/R -- Introduced in the 81st minute, Traore was brought on briefly to utilise his pace against a tiring Martin Kelly. Produced one good ball into the box which his teammates were unable to convert.