Middlesbrough fans show their class plus notable matchday omission: Five things you may have missed vs Luton Town

Jonathan Woodgate’s side have now gone seven league games without a win and have slipped to within six points of the Championship relegation zone.

Here, we look at some of the game’s other talking points worth reflecting on…

Boro’s defensive woes

During their impressive four-match winning run over the festive period, Boro conceded just one goal as their upturn in results was built from the back.

But while the Teessiders have now gone seven league matches without a win, they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in that run.

The loss of Daniel Ayala has certainly been a big factor and Boro have clearly lost some of their defensive steel since the Spaniard limped off at Preston with an ankle injury.

Goalkeeper Aynsley Pears has also been less convincing in recent weeks, even though the young stopper hasn’t been clearly at fault for a goal.

Woodgate said Pears should have done better with the opening goal at Wigan last week, while the keeper has looked a little hesitant when coming for crosses.

Boro’s lack of shutouts isn’t just down to Pears, though, and the Teessiders’ backline has been far easier to penetrate since the turn of the year.

Notable matchday omission

It’s been a stop-start season for experienced midfielder Adam Clayton.

The 31-year-old dropped out of the side back in October but won his place back ahead of the Christmas fixtures.

Clayton played an important role in Boro’s impressive wins at West Brom and Preston, yet doubt remains over his future on Teesside.

After stating at Fulham last month, the midfielder was left on the bench for four consecutive games and, for the first time this season, he wasn’t even in the matchday squad against Luton.

It’s also worth noting what Woodgate said in the build-up to Saturday’s game when discussing why he couldn’t play his preferred 4-3-3 system.

“I don’t think we had that real No 6 who can dominate a game in a one,” said the Boro boss. “I think if we are going to do that we need a two.”

At the start of the campaign, Clayton looked like the best option to play in the holding midfield role but has since fallen down the pecking order.

George Saville occupied a deeper role at Wigan, while Lewis Wing and Paddy McNair offer more offensive midfield options.

Clayton is also one of seven Boro players who will be out of contract at the end of this season.

Fans pay tribute to Leadbitter and Brownlee

Boro fans showed their support for former captain Grant Leadbitter after unveiling a banner at the Riverside.

The Sunderland midfielder, 34, was recently given compassionate leave by the Black Cats, with manager Phil Parkinson citing personal reasons for the player’s absence.

In the early stages of the Luton match, supporters in Red Faction unveiled a banner which read: "Tough times don't last, we're with you Grant."

The banner was accompanied by chants of 'He's magic you know, just watch Leadbitter go.’

In the second half of the match there was also a tribute to former Boro commentator Ali Brownlee.

Brownlee passed away in February 2016, aged 56, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

In the 56th minute, fans lit up lights on their phones and chanted: “Ali Brownlee, he’s one of our own.’

Former Boro man takes up new role

There was some surprise among the Luton contingent when the teams were announced at 2pm, with five defenders named in the starting XI.

The Hatters usually play with a 4-1-2-1-2 formation with a diamond in midfield and it was no different at the Riverside.

To make his preferred system work, Luton boss Graeme Jones deployed former Boro defender Martin Cranie in the holding midfield role after six games out with an injury.

The 33-year-old helped shackle Boro’s attacking players as the visitors outfought and outran the Teessiders in the middle of the park.

Fellow defender Matty Pearson also deserves credit after being selected at right-back for the first time this season.

Boro didn’t even register a shot on target against the Championship’s leakiest defence as the Hatters recorded their second consecutive clean sheet.

Impressive away following

For a side scrapping in the bottom three with the worst Championship away record this season, Luton were backed by a strong following on Teesside.

Despite the impacts of storm Dennis, a total of 800 supporters made the trip from Bedfordshire to Teesside and were rewarded with a 1-0 win.

Only four Championship clubs (Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Huddersfield and Derby) have taken more supporters to the Riverside this season.

The impressive following may be because it was Luton’s first ever visit to the stadium, and the fixture also carried greater significance for Hatters boss Jones.

Jones’ wife, Debbie, is from Stockton and grew up a Boro fan.

After Saturday’s game, Jones stayed on Teesside to pay respects to his mother-in-law, who passed away last month.

"I lost my mother-in-law five weeks ago and I haven't really had the opportunity to pay my respects," said Jones after the match.

"This job is unforgiving, nobody cares whether you've lost your mother-in-law or not.

"But I'm going to stay up tonight and spend a bit of time with my family, which is important, and celebrate the win."