One 9 and two 8s in the Middlesbrough ratings against Cardiff City

Luke Daniels - 7

Not tested much but he did everything he had to with comfort and kicked well too.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 7

Brilliant at the back, and good driving out of defence. One brilliant late block maintained a key clean sheet.

Sol Bamba - 8

Superb at the back for Boro with some big challenges and unlucky not to get a dream goal against his former side.

Paddy McNair - 7

Solid at the back and stepping out from the back. Result made it a happy birthday for the Northern Irishman.

Isaiah Jones - 6

Tried up and down the right but didn't have much success in beating his man or finding the killer ball. Still not anywhere near his best.

Jonny Howson - 9

A leader's display on a big night for Boro. Protected the defence excellently by reading the game and providing big tackles. Then superb in possession. His drive opened things for the second goal and he enjoyed a couple more after that as well as some lovely touches and flicks too.

Riley McGree - 7

Another bright display from the Aussie. Always wants to be on the ball. Capped with Boro's much-needed second goal via a wicked deflection, but they all count.

Marcus Tavernier - 8

Brilliant in midfield. Full of energy forwards and backwards, scoring a good and important first too. Lovely hit.

Marc Bola - 6

Solid defensively without having too much impact in an attacking sense. Didn't ever provide the quality from out wide Wilder wants.

Duncan Watmore - 7

Ran his heart out up top, trying to stretch the Cardiff defence and make something happen.

Folarin Balogun - 6

Teed up Tavernier for his goal with a clever lay-off, which was one of many clever touches. But was ultimately a bit pedestrian and lacked movement to help stretch Cardiff.

Substitutes

Andraz Sporar (For Balogun, 61') - 6 - Unable to have much of an impact from the bench.

Aaron Connolly (For Watmore, 75') - N/A