WEST BROM boss Carlos Corberan had no complaints after his side's defeat at the Riverside, admitting: "The result was fair, Middlesbrough were better than us".

The Baggies headed for Teesside fifth in the table and six points ahead of Boro but were second best at the Riverside as Morgan Rogers' goal sealed a deserved victory for Michael Carrick's side.

Corberan was disappointed with his side's performance and approach, but praised Boro, who he believes will be in the mix for the play-offs come the end of the season.

"The early stages were balanced and we had a couple of possibilities to score a goal but they made us defend deeper and found a way to attack us," said Corberan.

"When we did break their press we couldn't create something. In the second half we needed to be more aggressive but couldn't find the energy.

"Little by little Middlesbrough found a way to move us deeper. In the second half it was clear we needed to react and be more aggressive but we lost the ball too often and they were comfortable defending against us.

"I like how Middlesbrough attack and defend. They will be fighting for the play-off positions because they have a very good squad with a very good coach."

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Corberan continued: "I don't remember many finishing situations. It was true there was an action with Molumby and there was one cross from the left but in general we didn't create enough chances, and at the same time we concede some transitions that could have been goals, so it is a game to analyse.

"I think if you want to win games you have to take risks, if you don't take risks you cannot change the game, especially against a side like Middlesbrough.

"It is a point for me that we didn't manage well in the second half, because our attacks didn't finish with chances for us, our attacks finished with chances for them."