Middlesbrough struck three times at home to secure a vital three points over relegation rivals Swansea City. Alvaro Negredo will take the plaudits following a commanding performance, which yielded two goals including an excellent finish with his back to goal. The result clawed back 'Boro's goal difference to a respectable minus three which could prove crucial at the end of the season.
Positives
Negredo brought his class in an experienced showing that coincided with the return of playmaker Gaston Ramirez. The two linked up well throughout but Negredo was able to stamp his influence on proceedings via his own endeavours. His first goal saw him hit a first-time effort on the turn from the edge of the box that flew past a despairing Lukasz Fabianski. A coolly converted penalty followed to put 'Boro in the driving seat.
Negatives
'Boro were slow out of the blocks and the game could have followed a very different trajectory had the Swans been able to capitalise. Nervy clearances and poor decision-making looked set to make it a difficult afternoon at the Riverside before their star striker was able to change the course of the game.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Aitor Karanka was decisive in his substitutions and his decision to replace the injured Viktor Fischer with Stewart Downing paid off: Downing's experience allowed Middlesbrough to have more control. His savvy substitution of Gaston Ramirez indicated the Uruguayan's worth to the team as Karanka sought to save risking any injury to the star.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Victor Valdes, 7 -- Valdes was solid in all areas of his duties and made some fine saves towards the end of the game as Swansea sought some consolation.
DF Antonio Barragan, 7 -- A more accomplished showing than of late including a curious quick throw-in which could have been called back for a foul but instead released Adam Forshaw into the box to win the penalty.
DF Ben Gibson, 8 -- Gibson continued his excellent progress this season with another dominating game from the back. His sprayed long ball started the move for 'Boro's excellent third goal.
DF Calum Chambers, 7 -- Strong in the air and the tackle, Chambers was an effective partner for Gibson in the heart of defence.
DF Fabio, 8 -- Fabio kept the returning George Friend from the starting line-up and rewarded his manager's faith with a buccaneering display between both boxes.
MF Adam Clayton, 8 -- Clayton was an effective shield for 'Boro's backline and was excellent in bursting forward to assist Negredo's first goal.
MF Adam Forshaw, 7 -- Forshaw sustained his promising performances this term with neat passing and clever ball retention.
MF Marten de Roon, 8 -- De Roon improved from his ordinary recent displays and was at the end of an incisive Boro move to tuck in the final goal of the afternoon from Ramirez's pinpoint cross.
MF Viktor Fischer, 6 -- Fischer had little opportunity to influence the game before being replaced due to an injury.
MF Gaston Ramirez, 8 -- 'Boro's playmaker was at his creative best and tormented the Swans' defence with his range of passing and constant trickery.
FW Alvaro Negredo, 9 -- The Spanish striker was an imperious presence on the pitch and won all of his battles in every area of the pitch. His first goal harked back to the player that has impressed so often over the years.
Substitutes
MF Stewart Downing, 7 -- Downing linked up well with Fabio and conveyed a sense of calm throughout the team as his class influenced the flow of the match.
DF George Friend, 7 -- Friend's welcome return from injury was a typically strong one and a late surging run down the left nearly resulted in a fourth goal.
MF Adama Traore, NR -- Traore was a useful out ball for Middlesbrough who were pinned back in the closing stages.