Middlesbrough were less than a match for a comfortable Tottenham Hotspur, despite a hard-working and assured defensive performance from the visitors. They are yet to bridge the gap between holding a collectively defensive approach as well as having enough verve to put forward a sustained attack on their opposition. Putting in "good performances" may please the manager but it will not be enough to secure Boro's place in next year's Premier League.
Positives
Adama Traore continued his mission of self-improvement and remained Boro's key outlet in terms of moving forward with possession. Defensively the Teessiders were very strong, only letting themselves down by conceding a penalty, the opportunity for which was gratefully seized by Harry Kane.