STEVE AGNEW is convinced Middlesbrough are alive and kicking in the battle to stay in the Premier League despite another defeat that leaves them still waiting for a first victory in 2017.

Arsenal left the Riverside Stadium with three valuable points in their own fight to stay in touch with the Champions League places by beating Boro 2-1.

The result means Middlesbrough remain six points shy of safety with just six matches remaining, although they do have a game in hand on both Hull City and Swansea City.

But the importance of winning at Bournemouth on Saturday and against Sunderland next Wednesday has grown, with Middlesbrough due to finish the season with games against Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton and Liverpool.

Such a difficult run-in is why Agnew was keen for his players to claim maximum points against an Arsenal side that had been struggling for form as well, with pressure mounting on the shoulders of manager Arsene Wenger.

And after Alvaro Negredo’s volley cancelled out Alexis Sanchez’s first half opener shortly after the break, Middlesbrough looked like they might have gone on to win before Mesut Ozil struck the winner.

Agnew said: “This is a missed opportunity for us and we realise the size of the task ahead but we are six points behind with a game in hand and a terrific goal difference.

“Every game is crucial, this was crucial and now Bournemouth is crucial, but we go there with plenty of confidence.

“You are always going to be tested against the top teams and that is who we were playing tonight, but even though we went behind, I was confident at half-time. I sensed in the group that they were confident they could get back into the game. That's what we did with Alvaro's goal.”

Daniel Ayala, Stewart Downing, Ben Gibson and Adama Traore all had decent chances in the second half to score for Middlesbrough but in the end Arsenal secured the points.

The atmosphere inside the Riverside Stadium was positive throughout the match, despite the situation the team finds itself deep in relegation trouble. The players’ performances earned the respect from the fans too.

Agnew said: “I thought the players were amazing in terms of their effort, attitude and commitment. We played with an intensity and I couldn’t ask for anymore.

“I think the Ayala moment was the moment (we needed to win) because we’ve been waiting for it for a few weeks. We had pushed them on to the back foot, the ball bounced in the right area and Danny has done everything right, but still couldn’t beat Petr Cech.”

Traore was unable to have the impact he enjoyed at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season when he caused Arsenal allsorts of problems.

The Spanish winger did have one chance after his introduction when his pace got him beyond his marker and into his space, before he was unable to make the most of his position.

Agnew said: “Adama is 20 years old he’s not played that much first team football and we have to remember that. He does have a lot to learn and it's not for the want of trying. He is such a talent, we just have to keep working with him.”

While Middlesbrough are still in deep trouble, Arsenal have their own problems despite the win. They are seven points shy of the Champions League spots despite winning on Teesside.

Wenger said: “Mathematically it is still possible, even if it is difficult, but we will give it a go. Of course the players care. When you don’t win confidence goes quickly and comes back slowly. I felt there was nervousness there in the way we played.”

Agnew revealed goalkeeper Victor Valdes could not train because of a rib injury sustained against Burnley, so he will be touch and go whether he can face Bournemouth.

Full-back Fabio da Silva is a major doubt too. He will be assessed after leaving the Riverside with a leg brace after damaging his knee in the first half against the Gunners.