Karanka: 'Forget the result - that was one of our best displays of the season'

Boro dominated their opponents for large periods at the Riverside, but with Leeds goalkeeper Marco Silvestri producing a string of impressive saves, were unable to make a breakthrough.

As a result, Alex Mowatt’s third-minute strike, which came after an error from goalkeeper Tomas Mejias, was sufficient to condemn Boro to their first home defeat since August.

With Derby County staging another second-half fight-back to beat Sheffield Wednesday, Boro have dropped to second ahead of Tuesday’s home game with Bolton Wanderers.

However, Karanka refused to criticise his players’ efforts, instead describing their performance as one of their most impressive of the campaign.

“The main emotion is frustration because we did everything we could to try to win the game,” said the Boro head coach. “We couldn’t do that, but I can’t say anything bad about my players because they have all done their best.

“Now we have to keep going and not forget why we are in the position where we are now. That’s because we have been doing really well, and we can’t forget that we are a very good team.

“I actually think that was one of our best games of the season. In the first half, I thought the players were amazing, and at half-time, I told them that we were playing very, very well. But football is football, and if you don’t score a goal, then it’s going to be difficult to win games.”

Leeds boss Neil Redfearn was also impressed with Boro’s performance, and expects the Teessiders to be playing in the Premier League next season.

“Middlesbrough have got to be the favourites to go up on that showing,” said Redfearn. “We put in a real gutsy performance, but you could see why they are where they are.

“It’s a tough division to get out of, but Middlesbrough look to me like a complete side with dangerous players. You can see why they’re right up there.”