Jonathan Woodgate explains Patrick Roberts decision and team selection after Middlesbrough’s defeat to Swansea City

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate speaks to his players.

The visitors took a three-goal lead inside 34 minutes after two goals from Rhian Brewster and an Andre Ayew penalty.

Woodgate had no excuses after the match, admitting his side were well below the standards they have set in training.

"I thought we were very poor,” said Woodgate. “I thought we got caught at times too easily.

“They have some exceptional players in Brewster, Conor Gallagher and Andre Ayew. It’s hard to explain that type of performance and is not nice to see.”

Woodgate changed his side’s formation to play with wing-backs in the second half, with Boro able to keep the score down after the interval.

"Something had to change,” Woodgate added. “I thought we were slightly better in the second half but that was always going to be the case. You can’t put in a first-half performance like that.

When asked if there were any worrying signs in training, Woodgate replied: “There were no signs at all. In the week when we were training it was very good.

“To put in a performance like that isn’t good enough, it’s a concerning thing but we have a week to put it right and the games come thick and fast.”

Woodgate has repeatedly praised on loan Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts but left him on the bench.

Roberts was introduced in the second half but Woodgate says the playmaker is still returning to full fitness after a hamstring injury.

“Patrick’s not 100 per cent fit,” added Woodgate. “He will get fit and be a lot more involved in games but I have to be careful with him.

Woodgate was also asked why he left top scorer Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga on the bench, instead starting Rudy Gestede and Lukas Nmecha.

“Rudy played the last game against Charlton and I thought he was very good,” replied Woodgate when asked about his team selection. “Lukas Nmecha has also looked very good in training sessions.”

Woodgate also confirmed Harold Moukoudi was missing through illness but should be available for next weekend’s trip to Stoke.