Middlesbrough FC news: Pundit makes bold Leeds claim as Jonny Howson reflects on Elland Road thrashing

While Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate was limited due to injuries and suspensions at Elland Road, Marcelo Bielsa’s side certainly looked the part as they recorded their fifth league win in a row.

And EFL pundit Ian Holloway, who appeared on Quest’s highlights show over the weekend, believes the Whites’ recent form is ominous for everyone else in the division.

“I was so impressed with them today,” said Holloway after watching Patrick Bamford’s opening goal.

“It’s not just Bamford on his streak like Tony Pulis said a few weeks ago, the pressure they put on Middlesbrough today was as good as I’ve seen outside the top two of the Premier League.

“It’s magical, they are getting better and better, it’s pretty obvious for everybody else.”

Howson admits it was tough to take

The Leeds defeat was especially tough to take for former Whites midfielder Jonny Howson.

The 31-year-old is trying to stay positive, though, with Boro sitting just a point above the relegation zone.

"It was always going to be difficult and they have a lot of confidence, but coming to a place like this against a team that is doing well you want to hold them out as long as you can and frustrate them, and that obviously wasn't the case,” he said.

"We were starting to get a bit of a foothold in the game towards the end of the first half and then the second goal on the counter was a sucker punch.

"We're obviously very disappointed but we're a group that will stick together. I don't think anyone gave up.”

Charlton striker could return for Boro clash

Next up for Jonathan Woodgate’s side is a meeting with Charlton at the Riverside next weekend.

The Addicks haven’t won for seven games and have slipped to 17th in the table, yet Lee Bowyer’s team could be boosted by the return of striker Lyle Taylor on Teesside.

Taylor has been out since the start of September with a knee injury but is set to be in the squad next weekend.