Tom Heaton 8

Handling was solid all afternoon and made a sensational save to deny Negredo a stunning overhead kick goal.

Matt Lowton 8

Made two vital contributions in the dying minutes, heading Downing’s free-kick off the line and then hacking Ayala’s header clear.

Michael Keane 7

Given a great challenge when Negredo came on and lost him for overhead kick, but defended well aside from that.

Ben Mee 8

Boro looked to go long for Rudy Gestede against Mee, but they under-estimated his aerial skill and desire to win his battle.

Stephen Ward 9 (Man of the Match)

Took a knock to the ribs but made some crucial aerial interventions and defended well. Coped with Antonio Barragan when the Spaniard went forward and had his number in the opposite direction as well. Probably the Clarets best attacking weapon. Outstanding.

George Boyd 7

Wasted one very good chance in the first half but found space against Downing and tracked back very well.

Joey Barton 8

Took plenty of stick from the home fans, so no change there. Much improved on his last two displays. Tenacious.

Jeff Hendrick 7

Used the ball in midfield, particularly when picking out the full-backs who had space out wide against Boro’s system.

Robbie Brady 7

Hit the bar with a free-kick and should have scored in the second half. Corners bang on the money, but crossing from open play inconsistent.

Ashley Barnes 7

Booked for the fourth time in last six starts. Proved a nuisance to Boro’s back three throughout.

Andre Gray 6

Tried to go in behind Boro’s back three but had little joy while he was on the pitch.

Subs

Sam Vokes for Gray (62)
James Tarkowski for Barnes (94)

Subs not used: Nick Pope, Jon Flanagan, Ashley Westwood, Scott Arfield, Dan Agyei

Middlesbrough: Victor Valdes, Antonio Barragan, Bernardo (Patrick Bamford 83), Daniel Ayala, Ben Gibson, Stewart Downing, Adam Clayton, Grant Leadbitter, Adam Forshaw, Stewart Downing, Rudy Gestede (Adama Traore 69), Cristhian Stuani (Alvaro Negredo 58)

Subs not used: Brad Guzan, Dael Fry, Marten de Roon, Viktor Fischer