A Simeon Jackson goal in the 44th minute set the seal on a comeback for Norwich City and further doom and gllom for Middlebrough supporters.
A surprise shake up to the starting eleven and a change of shape not obnlt took Middleborough by surprise, after they has spent ages in working on bringing down the usual Norwich Diamond formation, but a record Carrow Road crowd of 25,410.
No surprise that Elliot Ward would go straight back in after serving out his one match suspension, at the expense of Jens Berthel Askou. David Fox, who hasn't started a game since the 2-3 defeat at the hands of Warford. Fox was in at the expense of Korey Smith.
Biggest shock was the fact that Wes Hoolahan sat this one out to make way for Anthony MacNamee. The shake up saw Paul Lambert field a traditional 4-4-2 formation. Middlesborough coped, but more likely, they were ready for the usual diamond.
The game, despite the win, was not a cracker. Those supporters not able to travel to away games must be aggrieved that the team play with more flair and more obvious desire than they do at Carrow Road.
Several times around me I heard people saying that they were bored, or they were falling asleep.. It must be said that after taking the lead, Norwich City seemed focused on not giving it away again.
Al credit to Middlesbrough, though, with the greater percentage of possession, and an obvious desire to put a stop to their dismal start to the season, they did make it a chore for City.
M'brough are a good side; they know each others play and read the game to suit each of them. It is a pity that they lack the finish. But we have all ben where they are now, and we know that when things don't go right, they just get worse and worse.
Leroy Lita and Matthew Taylor were welcomed warmly, two players that had spent time here on loan when City were riding the helter skelter that is claiming so many former big name clubs.
Again, three points from a game in which many would have been happy to get one when the season was still in the green shoots stage. Back up to fourth place, level with Swansea but with one goal difference in their favour.