Boro suffered their second defeat in three games after going down 2-0 at Sheffield Wednesday.
Two goals in the second half ensured the Owls picked up all three points against a disjointed Boro side who were well short of their best.
The Gazette's Boro editor Philip Tallentire offers five observations from the game:
1. Like he did at Blackpool, Aitor Karanka opted for a three man defence behind a five man midfield, no doubt because Hillsborough's heavy pitch resembled Bloomfield Road's.
The change from a back four was also influenced by the fact that Boro couldn't cope with Wednesday's giant attackers in the corresponding game at the Riverside in August. It didn't work, Boro failed to threaten Wednesday and still looked vulnerable defensively.
2. In the first half, Boro were simply unable to retain possession inside the Wednesday final third. More often than not, Patrick Bamford and Kike Garcia found themselves surrounded by four Wednesday players. There was little change in the second half, with Karanka sticking with 3-5-2 until Wednesday were 2-0 up and in total control.
3. Kike Garcia looks worryingly bereft of confidence. Bamford set him up with a 79 minute tap in but he fatally delayed his shot fractionally, allowing Liam Palmer to block his effort.
4. This performance resembled the away game at Ipswich back in December. Boro knew they would be in for a battle but didn't appear to be up for the fight.
5. The lack of goals is becoming a serious issue. Boro have scored just twice in five games and have taken four points out of 12. Not a disaster but a cause for concern.
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