Middlesbrough 2 Arsenal 1

5:29pm Monday 10th December 2007

THIS was the most emphatic and impressive performance of Gareth Southgate's time in charge of Middlesbrough.

While Arsenal may not have been at their best, nothing can be taken away from a Boro team that never stopped running and always looked capable of scoring more against the Premier League leaders.

The Gunners had the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie out injured, but it would not be too wild to suggest that even in their presence the visitors would have struggled to deal with Middlesbrough.

This was more about the Teessiders' gutsy determination and dogged spirit to churn out a result rather than Arsenal's jaded performance.

And in Tuncay Sanli and Jeremie Aliadiere, there could finally be a reason for Middlesbrough fans to get excited.

Having scored just three goals between them since arriving from Fenerbahce and Arsenal respectively, it could well be too early to start make wild predictions.

On the other hand, however, the two men's displays, coupled with bright performances right across the midfield and in defence, Middlesbrough's poor season should improve.

These three points will, of course, count for very little if Middlesbrough go and lose to bottom club Derby on Saturday. That, though, is for Southgate and his players to make sure does not happen.

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