'Excellent partnership': Middlesbrough fans are saying the same thing after impressive win over Stoke City

First-half goals from Grant Hall and Paddy McNair gave the Teessiders a commanding lead after Neil Warnock changed his side’s formation.

Boro switched from a back three to a back four midway through the first half, as McNair was moved into midfield where he had a bigger influence on the game.

Substitute Nathanial Mendez-Laing added a third goal with two minutes to go, while goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli received plaudits after making a couple of fine saves.

Boro’s centre-back partnership of Hall and Dael Fry was also highlighted after the match.

Here’s how some fans reacted:

@THEREALBORO: McNair absolutely outstanding and a special mention for Grant Hall, him and Dael Fry excellent partnership

@TerryBywater07: Good solid performance that was. McNair was brilliant as always and I must say Akpom put a shift in, looked lively and some nice touches . Another huge game Tuesday now, time for a run of wins and who knows.

@jackallisonnn: Providing they both stay fit I think Dael and Grant are the partnership we need to end the season with. As good as he is in defence McNair was absolutely quality today in midfield

@BenRCG: Get in!!! McNair was class in midfield today. With the way Fry and Hall have been playing, we should keep him there.

@Smithy_MFC84: Warnock’s best game as manager for us, in terms of in-game management and what effect it had on the outcome. We were able to soak up Stoke’s pressure second half knowing the hard work had already been done.

@JordanEvans1707: Superb performance today! Massive week ahead

@Murton_Red: Great win, struggled first 10 minutes until we changed formation then pressed forward and actually took our chances. Second half showed the art of playing without the ball and always a threat on the counter. Defence was awesome today and Paddy's class stood out a mile but all round a good game.

@sam_harrison24: What was that about Paddy being a better CB than CM? Keep him in there. MOTM

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