Two goals from Turkish striker Tuncay Sanli extended Boro's unbeaten Premier League run to four games, from which they have collected eight points.

Tuncay capitalised on glaring errors from Nicky Shorey and Steve Sidwell to seal victory for the visitors.

All that Villa could manage in reply was a goal from Sidwell on what was his first league start since his £5million move from Chelsea during the summer.

Southgate said: "I was really pleased with the way we played. Even if the game had ended in a draw, I'd have been really happy with the account we gave of ourselves.

"We passed the ball really well, were bright on the break and showed some resilience.

"The players responded to a challenge. I had said to them at the start of the week 'What do we want to do?' because in the past we have responded after poor results.

"This time we've had a good little run and I said to them 'Where do we want to go?' and their response was excellent and told me a lot about them.

"They have started to grow as a group and this is the best result since I became a manager because of the quality of the opposition.

"Having got four points from the two games at home, to win here was crucial for us.

"I wanted us to be mentally right and, after the first 10 minutes, I felt that was the case."

Full story in Monday's Mail