Middlesbrough 0-2 Queens Park Rangers: Michael Carrick hopes for Boro 'reboot'
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Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough have gone 10 matches without a win in the Championship
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick hopes to "reboot" his side over the international break after a home defeat by Queens Park Rangers meant the Teessiders dropped to the bottom of the Championship.
Goals in either half from Andre Dozzell - his first goal in almost four years - and Jack Colback gave the west Londoners a 2-0 win at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro, beaten in the play-off semi-finals last season, have picked up one point from their opening five games, making it the club's worst start to a campaign in their history.
"Maybe this break has come at a time where we can have a fresh start and do the things that we know we are capable of doing," former Manchester United and England midfielder Carrick told BBC Tees.
"There is always plenty you can improve on. The results have not been good enough but I think there is a lot within the performances that we can take confidence from.
"I am here with half a smile because we have created and looked dangerous but still come away with nothing."
Carrick had transformed Middlesbrough's fortunes after taking charge last October, guiding the side from 21st in the table to a fourth-placed finish.
But after Chuba Akpom was sold to Ajax and Cameron Archer returned to parent club Aston Villa over the summer, a lack of cutting edge in front of goal has been all too prevalent so far this season. Their total of three goals is the lowest in the division.
It proved to be their undoing once again against QPR, with Emmanuel Latte Lath failing to take advantage of several opportunities and visiting keeper Asmir Begovic in inspired form.
However, Carrick is still encouraged by his side's potential despite defeats against Millwall, Coventry City, West Brom and now QPR, with their solitary point coming from a draw with Huddersfield Town.
"The belief for me has not wavered or [been] knocked in any way," the 42-year-old added.
"Football throws things at you and at times it is not exactly how you want it. You have got to find a way to come out on top and sometimes you have to dig a bit deeper than you'd hoped.
"I am enjoying the challenge of it and have got full faith in the group. We need to help each other and get the best out of them, which I have no doubt we will."
Begovic stands firm in R's victory
Emmanuel Latte Lath and Middlesbrough could not find a way past QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who kept his first clean sheet of the season
Begovic had already saved from Isaiah Jones and Latte Lath before Dozzell put Rangers ahead two minutes before the break with his first goal for the club and his first since netting for Ipswich in November 2019.
The midfielder unleashed a fierce left-footed strike from over 25 yards out which flew past former R's goalkeeper Seny Dieng and into the top corner off the left-hand upright.
Begovic pushed away Darragh Lenihan's downward header in first-half stoppage time and made two good saves to deny Ivorian striker Latteh Lath after the break.
The visitors broke away to double their lead with 19 minutes remaining, with summer signing Jack Colback smashing in on the half-volley from 12 yards out after Ilias Chair's effort was blocked.
QPR climb two places to 17th after registering a first win in three and the west Londoners' past four league wins have all come away from home - against Burnley and Stoke City in April, and against Cardiff City, and now Middlesbrough this season.
QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth told BBC Radio London:
"I'm absolutely delighted but I know what has been coming.
"This is not a one-off - this is four performances on the spin now like this. The Watford game [a 4-0 defeat on the opening day] is a million miles away.
"I am so glad I got a bit of stick because I changed what we were and the identity we have got a hold of now is brilliant.
"They have emptied the tank and played sensationally well. I am loving every minute of this."