As Boro fans trooped away from the JJB Stadium, they could have been forgiven for wondering if anything had changed. Some of the faces might be different this season, but the paucity of Boro's opening away display was eerily reminiscent of a number of their performances on the road last season.

Lightweight in attack and deviod of ideas in midfield, Boro never looked like beating a Wigan side that still seems certain to be involved in a relegation battle this season.

True, Stewart Downing hit the post midway through the second half, but that was a rare high point from one of the few Boro players who emerged with any credit from a second defeat in the space of five days.

Downing, David Wheater, Tuncay Sanli and Andrew Taylor were devoid of blame, but the less said about Boro's ineffectual attackers the better.

Jeremie Aliadiere lost interest as soon as he had been subjected to a couple of tough tackles, but at least he was more involved than his strike partner.

Ayegbeni Yakubu barely moved a muscle and, unpalatable as it may seem, if the Nigerian does not want to play for Middlesbrough, Gareth Southgate would be advised to take Everton's money before the transfer window slams shut.