Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win at Stoke will have lifted the mood on Teesside following the arrival of experienced boss Neil Warnock at the Riverside. But how did some of Boro’s rivals fare over the weekend? We take a closer look at this weekend’s winners and losers from the second tier. Scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see them:
5. W: Jonny Howson
Boro's best player this season? Many fans would say so. Howson was close to signing a contract extension before the season was suspended but has finally put pen to paper by agreeing a one-year extension. The 32-year-old was deployed in a more natural central midfield role against Stoke, producing another solid display. Photo: Getty Images
6. L: Swansea
What a difference a week makes. In their first game back, play-off hopefuls Swansea looked the real deal as they repeatedly cut Boro open at the Riverside. Yet seven days later Steve Cooper's side weren't able to find a way past relegation-threatened Luton Town, losing 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium. Jordon Garrick was sent off for the Swans in the closing stages. Luton are now just three points from safety. Photo: Stu Forster
7. W: Ollie Watkins
Back-to-back wins over promotion rivals Fulham and West Brom have shown Brentford aren't giving up on an automatic promotion place. Watkins’ goal in a 1-0 win over West Brom on Friday night moved the Bees to within five points of the Baggies. The 24-year-old is now the Championship's joint top scorer again with 23 goals. Photo: Ashley Allen
8. L: Huddersfield
Boro's win and Hull's draw at Birmingham saw Huddersfield drop into the bottom three on goal difference. The Terriers have lost back-to-back games against Wigan and Nottingham Forest since the season restarted, yet manager Danny Cowley is staying positive: "We are getting up and we will go again - we will get to Birmingham and you will see a real fighting performance," he said after the Forest defeat. Photo: Getty Images