Middlesbrough continue fine start to season

Alfonso Alves kicked off his goalscoring for the new season with a 25 yard thunderbolt of a freekick as Middlesbrough were taken to the wire by newly promoted Stoke City.

Despite being down to ten man, following Faye’s sending off, Stoke continued to thwart Middlesbrough’s onslaughts. With ten minutes to go they even looked like salvaging a hard earned draw following new signing Justin Hoyte’s own goal which cancelled out Alves earlier strike.  Thankfully the Turkish Braveheart Tuncay Sanli was in the right place at the right time to ensure Boro took all three points and confirm Boro’s best start to a season for some time.

One other piece of news to note, Middlesbrough were drawn away to the mighty Manchester United in the 3rd Round of the Carling Cup. Another massive test for Southgate and his men as they challenge on all fronts this season.