Middlesbrough fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Bristol City at the Riverside Stadium.

The result was a real setback as the club looked to close the gap on the top six position.
Two goals from January target Famara Diedhiou and one from Nahki Wells gave the Robins a hefty lead going into the half-time interval.

Neil Warnock’s showed some intent in the second period and got a consolation goal through Dael Fry, but the outcome of the contest rarely looked like changing in a dominant display from the visitors.

Here's how we rated the Teessiders.

Marcus Bettinelli —3
Didn’t have a good game at all. Too slow to react to Bristol City’s counter attack and beaten far too easily.

Darnell Fisher-4
Looked a mile away from the composed figure that he’s been in recent weeks. Hooked at the break.

Anfernee Dijksteel —4
Had a nightmare of a night against Famara Diedhiou who won almost every battle.

Dael Fry-5.
Like the others in defence looked completely overrun in the first half. Looked much stronger in the second period and even grabbed a consolation goal.

Paddy McNair —5
Looked dangerous going forward but really struggled against the pace of Nahki Wells.

Marc Bola —6
Probably Middlesbrough’s best player. Provided a good outlet going forward but never really got going.

Sam Morsy —5
After such an impressive display against Reading this was a sobering night. Appeared to let the game pass him by and struggled to cope with City’s midfield.

Jonny Howson —4
A shocker of a first half with the usually reliable midfielder very sloppy on the ball.

Neeskens Kebano —5
Almost redundant during a difficult first half period. Came into the game in the second half but still far from his best.

Duncan Watmore—5
Had a difficult game. Struggled to penetrate the Bristol City defence and was sloppy in possession. Had a decent chance early in the second half but sent it over.

Ashley Fletcher—N/A
Taken off in the first half with what looked like a hamstring injury. Neil Warnock will be praying that it’s not serious.

Substitutes

Chuba Akpom-4
Brought on to replace Ashley Fletcher but struggled to make an impact on the game.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing—5
Brought on at the break but really struggled to put his stamp on the game.

George Savile—5
Introduced in the second half and played a simple game. Looked for an opening but couldn't break Bristol City down.

Britt Assombalonga—4
Not convinced he touched the ball after coming on.

Marvin Johnson—N/A
Brought on late in the game but struggled to make an impact other than a corner that was tipped onto the bar.

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