Why Neil Warnock is feeling excited despite Brenford defeat and what the Middlesbrough boss said to Paddy McNair after rare mistake

Boro took an early lead after Bees goalkeeper David Raya scored an own goal after three minutes, before Ivan Toney equalised in the 38th minute.

The Teessiders squandered some big chances to retake the lead but were made to pay after goals from Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen and a second from Toney.

Yet despite the result, Warnock is looking forward to Boro’s remaining 18 games this campaign, following a successful January transfer window.

New signing Neeskens Kebano made his debut while Yannick Bolasie was handed his second start since arriving from Everton last month.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been as satisfied with a 4-1 defeat,” said Warnock after the game. “That sounds silly but I look at what we’ve got now and where we were and I’m quite excited.

“I said to them after the game, I’ll give them a rollocking if they need it but I said listen I can’t fault any of you, things have happened today and we’re on the wrong end of a defeat but I think our fans will be excited now.

“We will go to Derby next week and that’s got to be the season starting, 18 cup finals.”

Warnock was frustrated with the officials for not awarding Boro a free-kick before Brentford’s equaliser.

“If we had gone in 1-0 at half-time I think we’d have won the game,” added Warnock.

“Bolasie was clearly fouled in front of the dugout and the referee said he didn’t see enough because he wasn’t in a good position.

“The linesman has flagged for everything else against us and never flagged there.

“We need people who know the game, when you watch it back Henry makes an archway to make the foul and it’s a straightforward foul.

“That was a big turning point today.”

Brentford’s third goal came after Paddy McNair made a rare mistake and slipped, which allowed Jensen to go through on goal.

Warnock added: "I said to Paddy after don’t knock yourself Paddy, that’s the first mistake you’ve made all season.”

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