MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):

6 Konstantopoulos: Was not called into action too many times but was dependable when required;

6 Kalas: Looked comfortable at right-back. Was not required to surge forward too often and was untroubled defensively

7 Ayala: Dealt well with Leeds as they grew into the game in the second half, commanded his area

6 Amorebieta: Must be doing something to keep Ben Gibson out of the side and used the ball well

6 Friend: Was given licence to bomb forward and it was his cross that led to the Bellusci own goal;

8 CLAYTON: A highly important player for Boro, shielding the defence and starting moves off from deep

5 Leadbitter: Has not been firing on all cylinders this season and this was probably his poorest game yet;

6 Downing: Dangerous without being spectacular, the game changed in the second half and was not allowed to threaten as before

7 Adomah: Has settled right back into the side after his temporary exile, and was Boro’s best player in the final third

6 Stuani: Worked well to set up Boro’s first goal and was a constant presence as Leeds struggled to get out of their own half early on;

7 Nugent: Took his goal well but it was his pressing from the front that attracted most of the plaudits

Substitutes:

Fabbrini (for Stuani, 57) – Was jogging on the spot to capitalise on Bamba’s costly error. 7

Nsue (for Adomah, 77) Forshaw (for Leadbitter, 87)

(not used): Mejias, Gibson, Kike, De Pena

LEEDS UNITED (4-3-3): Silvestri 5, Berardi 5, Bellusci 3, Bamba 3, Taylor 6, Adeyemi 5, Cook 6, MOWATT 6, Botaka 5 (Doukara 65, 6), Antenucci 5, Dallas 5 (Murphy 79). Subs not used: Turnbull, Wootton, Cooper, Phillips, Byram

MAN OF THE MATCH

ADAM Clayton – pulled the strings against his old club. Karanka’s tactics rely on the defensive midfielder keeping his shape and he delivered that perfectly