MIDDLESBROUGH (4-3-3):

7 Valdes: Suffered a couple of jittery moments, but made a crucial last-minute save to keep out Diomande’s long-range strike

7 Barragan: Ensured Snodgrass did not have any joy when he switched to the Hull left and got forward effectively on occasion

8 Chambers: Looks increasingly assured with every game – won everything that was hurled in his direction

8 GIBSON: Another excellent display from Boro’s player of the season so far, capped by a truly sensational first-half tackle

7 Fabio: Continues to ensure that Friend’s absence is not too much of an issue – neat and tidy in defence and energetic in attack

6 De Roon: Didn’t get forward all that often, but worked diligently at the heart of midfield to prevent Hull attacking

6 Clayton: Held his position at the base of Boro’s midfield and ensured Diomande was not really a factor when he dropped deep

8 Forshaw: Continues to get better and better – was always the Boro midfielder looking to drive on and rarely gave the ball away

8 Ramirez: His class was ultimately the difference, even if his goal was a fairly simple one – technically the best player on the pitch

6 Negredo: Failed to find the target with two decent first-half chances, but continually asked questions of the Hull defence

6 Fischer: Delivered the corner that led to Ramirez’s winner, but wasted a number of decent openings, especially in the first half


Subs:

Stuani (for Fischer, 81)

Downing (for Ramirez, 87)

(not used): Guzan (gk), Espinosa, Nsue, Leadbitter, Traore.


HULL (4-5-1):

Marshall 6; Elmohamady 5, Davies 5, DAWSON 6, Robertson 6; Snodgrass 4, Livermore 4 (Huddlestone 62, 4), Henriksen 4 (Meyler 81), Clucas 5, Mason 5 (Bowen 62, 4); Diomande 5.

Subs (not used): Jakupovic (gk), Maguire, Weir, Tymon.


Man Of The Match: BEN GIBSON – The Teessider is clearly relishing his stint as Middlesbrough captain, and last night’s defensive display was another polished and dominant performance.