Goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela put Spurs 2-0 up inside 15 minutes before George Saville pulled one back for the visitors seven minutes from time. Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his marks following the match – scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
5. Dael Fry - 5
Couldn't keep up with Tottenham's attackers in the first half as Boro were regularly cut open. Like his team-mates, the defender improved after the interval to make some important blocks. 5 Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Marvin Johnson - 6
Recalled at left wing-back and made a few forays forward. Inviting free-kick was headed wide by Ashley Fletcher. 6 Photo: Justin Setterfield
7. Adam Clayton - 5
Was left chasing shadows in the first half as Spurs dominated the midfield battle. Was more assured after the break as Boro tightened things up. 5 Photo: Michael Regan
8. Ben Liddle - 5
A difficult game to make his first senior start. A few decent touches in midfield. Replaced early in the second half. 5 Photo: Getty Images