The fixture list facing Boro after the home defeat to Watford was a daunting one but five points and a +1 goal difference from four testing games is an excellent return.Now, though, Boro must build on those improved displays in games against rivals.
Hull and Swansea both visit the Riverside in the coming weeks while Leicester may well be champions but they're only two points above the drop zone as things stand.
Our writers discuss the positives of Boro's recent improved displays.
And Dominic Shaw, Philip Tallentire and Anthony Vickers also assess the performances of Alvaro Negredo.
The striker is without a goal since the opening day of the season - so is his place in the side under threat? For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices