Four key talking points from Middlesbrough's defeat - plus reaction from Steve Agnew

Goals from Jay Rodriguez and Nathan Redmond proved decisive, with Patrick Bamford claiming a second-half consolation for Boro.

What were the major talking points from the Riverside?

A FAMILIAR FEELING

Boro fans have grown used to disappointment this season, and this was yet another afternoon to forget.

The Teessiders have won just four of their 19 home games, with only one of their victories – the 1-0 win over Sunderland – coming in the second half of the campaign.

It has been a miserable season, and the post-match ‘lap of appreciation’, which took place in front of a half-empty stadium, could hardly have been more different to the jubilant scenes that accompanied last season’s final home fixture against Brighton.

Back then, Boro were looking forward to returning to the Premier League after a seven-year absence. Twelve months on, and they preparing to return to the Championship.

THE FANS ARE INCREASINGLY UNHAPPY

There wasn’t much in the way of outright anger at the Riverside, but the mood amongst the home supporters has grown increasingly mutinous in the last few weeks.

Things threatened to boil over on a number of occasions in the second half, with the Boro fans starting to turn on their own players.

A number of home fans were chanting for Brad Guzan to be sent off after the goalkeeper felled Shane Long to concede a penalty, and Stewart Downing was booed as he was substituted in the second half.

There were also a number of chants in support of departed head coach Aitor Karanka, with some fans clearly feeling that the Spaniard should have remained in his post. Repairing the divisions will be a huge challenge for whoever is in charge next season.

AGNEW FAILS TO MAKE A CASE

Steve Agnew has now had ten games in which to persuade Boro chairman Steve Gibson he is the right man to lead the club in the long term. Even his staunchest ally would struggle to claim he has succeeded.

Today’s result means Agnew has picked up just six points from his ten games in charge, and while he inherited an extremely difficult situation when he replaced Karanka, he has failed to make any meaningful improvements.

Yes, there have been slight tweaks to the playing style, but this was another lifeless display lacking creativity that would not have looked out of place under Karanka.

Gibson’s loyalty to Karanka ultimately proved costly – will he make the same mistake when it comes to determining Agnew’s future?

BAMFORD’S BACK

If there was a positive from a Boro point of view this afternoon, it was the goalscoring return of Patrick Bamford.

The striker did not look at his sharpest as he made his first league start since returning to Teesside in a £6m January move, but he at least found the back of the net for the first time since April 2015 in the closing stages.

Bamford was a prolific Championship goalscorer during his previous season at the Riverside, and he is likely to be an influential performer when Boro reacquaint themselves with the second tier next season.

The Teessiders will look to make alterations this summer, but the likes of Bamford will be crucial to their prospects of securing an instant return to the top-flight.

MANAGER’S COMMENTS:

Middlesbrough head coach Steve Agnew said: “We're disappointed with the result because we wanted to finish off strong for our supporters and obviously going a goal behind in a first-half performance when we didn't show any real threat was disappointing.

“It was flat before half-time and the goal came at a bad time. After the second goal, it's a real test of character for the players who've had a real difficult season. The penalty miss gave us a lift and we took the initiative to score the goal.

“Patrick is a really talented footballer and he's had a frustrating 18 months so I'm pleased for him to score.

“To stand in a technical area is my responsibility. I understand the frustration from the crowd, we've had a really disappointing season and all of us have to accept responsibility. I have every faith and belief in Middlesborugh FC being very successful in the league we're going to play in next season.”

Southampton manager Claude Puel said: “The goals and the win was pleasing and it was very important. We gave a chance to some of the players and it gives us a chance to play the last three games with some good energy. I'm happy for the squad, it's not just a win but it's a good performance and a good answer from the players.

“It was a strong performance, and a good win. We needed to make changes to give us chance to win these last three games. The same players can't play in the last three games with the same intensity because it's very difficult to play every three days. The players came in and showed a positive attitude.

“We can finish eighth and that's a motivation. We've shown our good attitude again today and that's pleasing to see and we have to try to finish the season in this positive way.”

LINE-UPS:

Middlesbrough (4-3-3): Guzan; Fabio, Chambers, Gibson, Friend; de Roon, Clayton, Forshaw (Leadbitter 60); Bamford, Negredo, Downing (Fischer 60).

Subs (not used): Konstantopoulos (gk), Barragan, Bernardo, Traore, Stuani.

Southampton (4-2-3-1): Forster; Pied, Caceres, Yoshida, Bertrand; Clasie, Romeu; Long (Austin 87), Hojbjerg (Davis 74), Boufal (Redmond 46); Rodriguez.

Subs (not used): Hassen (gk), Stephens, Targett, Ward-Prowse.