'We miss him' 'much weaker' Middlesbrough fans highlight absence of key man and side's faults after Preston defeat

Second-half goals from Brad Potts, Scott Sinclair and Emil Riis gave the hosts all three points as the Teessiders struggled to cause problems at the other end of the pitch.

Boro were without defender Anfernee Dijksteel, who has now missed the side’s last three games through injury but could return for Saturday’s game against Millwall.

Some supporters highlighted the Dutchman’s absence after the game while others commented on the side’s failure to take their chances.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the result:

@Smithy_MFC84: No matter what manager we’ve had over the last few years, one thing I can’t get my head around is our apparent inability to put in a decent ball on a consistent basis. So many times we hit the first man, and often when not it’s well over hit and out of play.

@tomstocktontees: Not great tonight mind. Defence seems to be missing Dijksteel and we went to bits when Howson had to go off. Let’s hope we can get back to winning (or at least not losing) ways.

@TerryBywater07: Can't question Warnock can you the job he has done has been great. Buuuuut time to start getting the best out of Roberts or why has he brought him back. Britt can't be captain and we need to start having a go more from the off.

@jimmylees: I did not enjoy that. I think we’re a much weaker side with a back four. Especially with no Djiksteel involved.

@OurMFC: Poor from Boro tonight, possibly the worst performance of the season.

@MABrecksy: Shocking, absolutely awful performance. Zero creativity, Patrick Roberts has to be starting games from now on, we never looked a threat tonight.

@DJMattPeverell: Big wake up call that. We’re not as good as what some think. Keeper very poor, midfield are all one paced and Britt gives us absolutely nothing!

@McQuill_: Lost for words tonight. I set my expectations too high with the Boro. Shocking second half tonight, shocking.

@louisgleeson1: Mad how much we miss Dijksteel, look a complete mess playing 4 at the back

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