Karanka: More big wins in the pipeline for Middlesbrough

After banging in three goals in a game for the first time since their return to the Premier League, Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka believes the net will keep on bulging with confidence at a new high at the Riverside.

Boro downed the out-of-sorts Swansea City 3-0 on Saturday afternoon, with striker Alvaro Negredo scoring twice early on before Marten de Roon added a third.

It was Middlesbrough’s biggest win of the season so far, and the side many tipped to go straight back down to the Championship this term are now four points clear of the relegation zone.

And Karanka is positive his side are only going to continue to head up the standings.

“Everyone in this group is really confident and we are adding experience in every game,” he said.

“But I always said that the main thing is we are always creating chances. Against Swansea we created and we scored them as well.

“We’ve improved our goal difference and we have three more points. Now, we need to keep going and keep believing in these players.

“I am really pleased because it’s our biggest victory and this group of players needed this win.

“These kinds of games against direct opponents are always hard, and we have played better in other games and left with nothing.

“But three points and three goals is massive for us.”