A dire first-half display saw the Swans pull into an insurmountable lead, with Rhian Brewster’s brace and Andre Ayew’s penalty enough to seal victory.
Boro huffed and puffed in the second half, but failed to break down their stubborn visitors - who were deserved victors.
But how did Boro’s players perform? Scroll down to see how Joe Nicholson rated the displays:
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How did the Middlesbrough players rate in the defeat to Swansea City? Photo: FRANK REID 2020
. Dejan Stojanovic
Can’t really be blamed for any of the goals and was left exposed by the players in front of him. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
. Jonny Howson
Was brutally exposed at right-back in the first half as Ayew caused havoc for the Boro defence. 4 Photo: Alex Livesey
. Ryan Shotton
Turned his back for the second goal and wasn’t able to deal with the lively Brewster in the first half. The defender was subbed at half-time. 3 Photo: Nathan Stirk
. George Friend
A difficult afternoon for the Boro skipper. An early slip almost allowed Swanea to open the scoring after six minutes. Looked rusty and conceded the penalty. 3 Photo: George Wood
. Dael Fry
Recalled to the starting XI but endured a difficult afternoon against Brewster and co. 4 Photo: Alex Davidson
1. Dejan Stojanovic
Can’t really be blamed for any of the goals and was left exposed by the players in front of him. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. Jonny Howson
Was brutally exposed at right-back in the first half as Ayew caused havoc for the Boro defence. 4 Photo: Alex Livesey
3. Ryan Shotton
Turned his back for the second goal and wasn’t able to deal with the lively Brewster in the first half. The defender was subbed at half-time. 3 Photo: Nathan Stirk
4. George Friend
A difficult afternoon for the Boro skipper. An early slip almost allowed Swanea to open the scoring after six minutes. Looked rusty and conceded the penalty. 3 Photo: George Wood