Stoke City manager Mark Robins said his side were guilty of "naivety" in losing 3-1 at home to Middlesbrough.
The Potters manager said: "I'm disappointed. They [Middlesbrough] have lost their last five but there is too much naivety - we make poor decisions at times - which means either a promising move breaks down or we take the wrong option.
"Out of possession we are getting into some really poor positions and some of the players don't understand... if you miss those duels you are out of position and they can hurt you. They are young players and they are making [poor] decisions.