The Teessiders suffered a 1-0 defeat at Watford on Friday night, yet manager Neil Warnock was pleased with his side’s performance at Vicarage Road.
Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has picked out some of the division’s winners and losers from the weekend – scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see them:
1. W: Anfernee Dijksteel
Despite Boro's 1-0 defeat at Watford, defender Anfernee Dijksteel once again justified his place on the right of a back three. Manager Neil Warnock said the 23-year-old was 'unbelievable' at Vicarage Road. Photo: Richard Heathcote
2. L: Phillip Cocu
Derby mounted a late push for the play-offs last season but suffered a disappointing start to the new campaign, losing 2-0 at home to Reading. "The first 30-35 minutes, the performance is something we can't accept from ourselves," admitted Rams boss Phillip Cocu. "It is no surprise when at half time you are 2-0 down." Photo: Getty Images
3. W: Mark Warburton
QPR lost 4-0 at home to Nottingham Forest last season, yet it was a different story this time around. Goals from new signing Lyndon Dykes and Ilias Chair gave Rangers boss Warburton a 2-0 victory over his former club Forest, who were one of the favourites to win promotion this season. Photo: George Wood
4. L: Aynsley Pears
After breaking into Boro's first team last season, the young stopper now appears surplus to requirements. The Teessiders handed a debut to keeper Marcus Bettinelli at Watford After the match Warnock said: "Marcus is an excellent keeper and the gloves are in his hands at the moment and it’s hard to see him being displaced.” Photo: Getty Images