How they rated

FREDDIE WOODMAN

Wasn’t overly troubled in the first half and did the basics well enough. To his credit, he dealt with the aerial balls into his box but looked to be wrong footed for Sam Morsy’s goal.

KYLE NAUGHTON

Made his fair share of tackles and clearances. Did fairly well throughout.

BEN CABANGO

The Welshman made a ridiculous number of clearances as Boro tried to find a way to open up the Swans. Sublime display.

MARC GUEHI

A tad wasteful in possession at times, but the Chelsea loanee dealt very well with Boro’s attack while he won the free-kick that led to Swansea’s opener. An absolute demon in the air.

CONNOR ROBERTS

Wasn’t able to cause too many issues in attack in the first half but was defensively sound. Never stopped running.

MATT GRIMES (CAPT)

Continued his recent form by offering those behind him plenty of protection while looking slick on the ball going forward too. A number of interceptions to aid his side’s cause.

JAY FULTON

Did a fair amount of defensive work as Boro pushed. Good performance again from the Scot.

KOREY SMITH

Playing further up the pitch than usual, Smith struggled to offer much in attack. He won a few free-kick but couldn’t really make a significant contribution. Subbed.

RYAN MANNING

As with Roberts, Manning didn’t have too much joy in the Boro half for long periods, although he dealt fairly well with the threat of Anfernee Dijksteel and then Djed Spence.

CONOR HOURIHANE

Had a real battle with Jonny Howson who had been tasked with nullifying the Republic of Ireland international. Couldn’t really offer much in attack. Solid rather than spectacular.

STAR MAN ANDRE AYEW

Hold up play was good given the lack of support, and he took his chance in the first half to put Swansea ahead. Barely given a sniff in the second half but slotted the penalty brilliantly.

SUBSTITUTES

Jamal Lowe (for Smith) - Gave Swansea an outlet late on. 6

Jake Bidwell (for Manning) - Helped to stem the tide and won the penalty at the death. 6

Subs not used: Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Dhanda, Bennett, O Cooper, Arriola, Whittaker.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Bettinelli; Dijksteel (Spence 16) (Mendez-Laing 77), McNair, Hall, Fry, Bola (Johnson 77), Howson (C), Saville, Morsy, Watmore (Akpom 46), Bolasie (Kebano 66).

Subs not used: Archer, Fisher.

REFEREE Gavin Ward