After Marcus Tavernier and Ashley Fletcher had put the Teessiders 2-0 up, Marvin Johnson’s first-half red card changed the course of the game before two goals from Jarrod Bowen. Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his player ratings following the match. Scroll down and flick through our gallery to see who shone and struggled:
9. Marcus Tavernier - 7
Netted his first goal of the season with just seven minutes on the clock. Impressive in the first half but was jammed up in the second half after moving to left-back. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Ashley Fletcher - 7
Unfortunate to be sacrificed at the break. Linked up well with Assombalonga and took his goal well. 7 Photo: Jan Kruger
11. Britt Assombalonga - 7
Looked lively in the first half, holding the ball up and shrugging off defenders. Received no support after the break when Boro struggled to get out of their own half. 7 Photo: Getty Images
12. Adam Clayton - 5
(for Fletcher, 45) - Helped keep the visitors at bay at the start of the second half before the breakthrough came. 5 Photo: Frank Reid