Are Middlesbrough too defensive, what's the situation with Patrick Roberts and how has Neil Warnock improved ex-Charlton man?: Brentford Q&A

we examine some of the key talking points and questions from the weekend’s fixture:

Are Boro too defensive?

Despite a strong start to the campaign it’s clear what Boro’s weakness has been in the opening 11 league games.

The Teessiders have netted just nine goals in 11 matches so far this term, with only three sides in the second tier scoring less.

But you have to remember where Boro were last season, and the fact they have lost just once against some of the division’s top sides marks a significant improvement.

Yes, there are probably games where they could have been a bit less cautious, like against Blackburn last week, yet Warnock is building from the back, as he has done at his previous clubs.

Aitor Karanka did something similar when he first arrived at Boro, and the club went seven games without scoring under the Spaniard during the 2013/14 season.

After Saturday’s match Warnock was asked by a Brentford reporter if his side were boring and replied: “It's the best team I've probably had football wise.”

Boro have played some good stuff this season but have just lacked that cutting edge in the final third.

Why hasn’t Patrick Roberts been playing?

We all know what the Manchester City loanee can offer and it’s clear Boro have been lacking that creative spark.

Yet Warnock is evidently aware of Roberts’ defensive limitations, especially if the Teessiders are playing with a back four and have less security in defence.

In Boro’s last three games they have come up against opponents who play with attacking full-backs who could create an overload on the flank.

Warnock has therefore opted to play Hayden Coulson and Djed Spence out wide to provide extra security and make sure an opposition player isn’t left unmarked.

Roberts is clearly a player who fans enjoy watching, and Warnock admitted he should have probably brought the 23-year-old on against Blackburn last week.

Yet the balance of the team is far more important and the reason why Boro have gone ten games unbeaten.

How have Anfernee Dijksteel and Marc Bola improved so much?

Even Warnock admitted he’s been surprised at just how good the pair have been this season.

“Bola and Dijksteel, well I don't think it is Bola and Dijksteel, they look like two different players.” said the Boro boss after the Brentford game.

When the pair arrived last season, Dijksteel, 24, showed flashes of his ability but was a quiet figure in the dressing room and suffered a lengthy knee injury in November.

Bola, meanwhile, looked well out of his depth and was loaned out to former club Blackpool in January.

Yet this season both have been excellent, playing with confidence and authority while demonstrating their abilities.

What Warnock has done is simplified the defensive side of the game with man-to-man marking, which has made everyone aware of their responsibilities.

It’s not just Dijksteel and Bola who have improved either.

Dael Fry has been a commanding figure at the back, George Saville has found a role which suits him in midfield and Paddy McNair has adapted well after moving into defence.

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