Goals:

0-1: Bamford (53, chased down a loose ball to help Fernando’s attempt to clear over the line after Adomah had forced a weak back pass beyond Caballero)

0-2: Kike (90, latched on to Bamford’s clever pass before applying the fine low finish)

Bookings: Ayala (49, foul); Kompany (51, foul); Fernandinho (71, foul); Whitehead (71, foul)

Referee: Phil Dowd (Stoke) – could easily have given City a few penalties so Middlesbrough fans were happier with his decision making than the home support. 6

Attendance: 44, 836

Entertainment: PPPPP

City Boro

Shots on 8 6

Shots off 16 8

Corners 11 2

Offsides 1 1

Fouls 7 14

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Caballero 4; Zabaleta 6, Kompany 5, Boyata 5, Kolarov 6; Fernando 3 (Dzeko 79), MILNER 6; Navas 5 (Lampard 67, 6), Silva 6, Jovetic 4 (Fernandinho 67, 5); Aguero 4. Subs: Hart (gk), Demichelis, Sagna, Clichy.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):

8 Mejias: Made a string of first half saves to lay the foundations for the impressive victory;

8 Whitehead: Slotted in at right-back and made a number of good interceptions

9 Ayala: Had a few shaky first half moments but was immense after the restart despite picking up a fifth booking of the season

9 Gibson: Turned in a display of passion and quality to frustrate Aguero and Co

8 Friend: Seemed to have everyone attacking his flank in the first half but coped and grew in stature as minutes ticked by;

8 Leadbitter: Led by example in the middle and did his best to get Boro going in both directions

7 Clayton: Strong in the tackle and kept digging in throughout to help out the Boro backline when required;

8 Bamford: Showed the desire and intent throughout and got his reward with the opening goal

9 TOMLIN: Caused problems for City throughout and came close to scoring one of the FA Cup goals of the season;

8 Adomah: Instrumental in Bamford’s goal and should have scored a goal himself after that;

7 Vossen: Had a hand in the opener and saw a volley stopped by Caballero in the second half

Subs:

Reach (for Tomlin 81)

Kike (for Vossen 87)

Wildschut (for Bamford 90)

(not used): Ripley (gk), Husband, Omeruo, Woodgate.

MAN OF THE MATCH: LEE Tomlin – on a day of so many Boro match-winners, the former Peterborough man showed he possesses Premier League quality.