How Middlesbrough's players rated in the 5-0 home defeat to Stoke:

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):

5 Brynn: Tough night for the keeper but he wasn’t helped by dreadful defensive showing in front.

6 Ayling: Couldn’t quite cut out the cross that led to Stoke’s opener when he dashed back to cover inside. Offered plenty of support for Hunt inside and Finch in front. Replaced at half-time.

6 Hunt: Assured in the first half. Boro’s defence fell apart in the second but it was mainly down the flanks that the damage was done.

6 Clarke: Excellent in the first half but beaten too easily in the build-up to decisive second goal.

6 McCormick: Difficult full debut for the youngster, who went down injured in the first minute and had to be replaced at half-time.

5 Barlaser: Tidy enough in the first half but couldn’t get a grip in the second when Boro needed to settle things down.

6 McCabe: Calm and confident on the ball in the first half. Like Barlaser, found it tough after the break.

5 Finch: Lively and worked hard but raw and lacked composure in the area. Understandable making just second senior start.

7 Gilbert: Undoubtedly Boro’s best player. Pulled the strings in the first half.

5 Hamilton: Full of running but kept hold of the ball too long on a few occasions. Replaced just after hour.

5 Coburn: Missed glorious early chance. Worked hard but didn’t make the most of opportunities.

Substitutes:

5 Dijksteel (for Ayling, 46): Cross for Stoke’s third goal came down his side but Stoke caused most of their problems on the left.

3 Engel (for McCormick, 46): Nightmare second half for the substitute. All of Stoke’s goals came down his side.

5 Jones (for Hamilton, 63): Couldn’t get into the game.

6 Conway (for Finch, 63): Bright enough from the bench

Morris (for McCabe, 78)

Subs not used: Glover, Burgzorg, Azaz, Wilson

STOKE: Johansson 8, Tchamadeu 7, Bocat 7, Phillips 7 (Smith, 78), Dixon 7, Sidibe 7, Moran 8 (Junho, 70), Burger 7, Koumas 9 (Manhoef, 62), Tezgel 8 (Gooch, 63), Mmaee 7 (Ennis, 63). 

Subs not used: Fielding, Wilmot, Gibson, Laurent,

Man of the Match: Koumas. Had a hand in first two goals then scored third.