Neil Maddison
Former Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Tees

It's been a great game, I've really enjoyed it.

Going forward Boro have looked a real threat - the wing-backs have been in the game so many times, they've been the outlet and the threat, and caused Sunderland lots of problems.

Rodrigo Muniz upfront has been a handful.

After the goal the game went bitty - they've just got to tighten up a bit.

Image source, Rex Features

Proper derby this.

End to end at times, but it's Boro who have the advantage through Riley McGree's coolly taken strike.

They have tormented Sunderland at times out wide with Isaiah Jones and Ryan Giles dominant.

Sunderland should have taken the lead when Alex Pritchard fired over early on.

Since then, chances have been harder to come by. Ellis Simms has it all on up top in Ross Stewart's absence to take the game to Boro.

Another ball over the top sees Riley McGree latch on for Boro, but his touch just takes the ball through to Anthony Patterson.

Patrick Roberts goes down in the box for Sunderland, as he tiptoed through the tackles.

Was he caught by Jonny Howson? Sunderland got nowt from Darren Bond. Play-on.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a pensive and pondering Mogga right now.

His side haven't got enough of a grip on this game.

Alex Pritchard's early miss hangs heavy given Boro's success in front of goal.

Big awareness from Anthony Patterson to paw a dangerous cross from Paddy McNair from the right over his crossbar as it sailed close to the goalline.

Ryan Giles' corner was headed away by Ellis Simms, and Alex Mowatt's swing sails wide from the edge of the box.

Riley McGree has another chance. Could have had a hat-trick here.

Middlesbrough pushed forward, with the Australian winning the ball and getting a cute touch-off from Matt Crooks into his path.

However, the low drive from the edge of the box skims into the midriff of the diving Anthony Patterson.

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland playmaker Alex Pritchard joins the Middlesbrough centre-backs in Darren Bond's book.

It's a cynical, sliding challenge on Isaiah Jones as he looked to accelerate away.

Back to back yellow cards for Middlesbrough centre-halves, as Matt Clarke joins Paddy McNair in the book.

It's a late lunge on Alex Pritchard in midfield. A silly one really, as Pritchard's pass was already overhit.

Luke O'Nien scrags Paddy McNair to stop the Northern Ireland international from defending a Sunderland corner.

Danny Batth has a free header. But comes to nothing.

Then, McNair finds himself in the book, as Alex Pritchard's footwork bamboozles him and he blocks the Sunderland playmaker off unceremoniously.

Isaiah Jones has a terrific work-rate, and makes a timely tackle on Jack Clarke to win the ball back for Middlesbrough.

He's off on his bike having secured possession, released by Rodrigo Muniz, but the ball into the box is dealt with.

At the other end, Ellis Simms squeezes up to chase down Dael Fry, and the Boro defender concedes a throw. Safety first.

Jones then re-engages in his tussle with Clarke, this time winning a corner.

Image source, Getty Images

Matt Crooks limps out of a 50-50 with Dennis Cirkin, and the Boro forward doesn't lose too many of those either.

Chris Wilder is looking concernedly at his player.

Sunderland enjoying a spell of possession, but Lynden Gooch's cross is tidied up at the back for Boro by Isaiah Jones.

With just Ellis Simms up top as a natural centre-forward, much of the Black Cats attack will need to be built up through midfield.

Lots of pressure on Simms, who has three centre-halves to tussle with.

Boro break, and Rodrigo Muniz takes a pass in his stride, rolling Dennis Cirkin, but is fouled.

The Brazilian is causing plenty of problems.

Jack Clarke is hacked down by Isaiah Jones to give Sunderland a free-kick in Boro territory.

Clumsy and daft.

The free-kick is headed away from the box by Rodrigo Muniz, and although the visitors retain possession, it's no danger for Boro.

Neil Maddison
Former Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Tees

Beautiful finish.

Oh my word what a ball from Ryan Giles into Riley McGree and, I tell you what, what a first touch - wallop, into the back of the net.

Boro's Jonny Howson curls into the near post and forces a scrambling Anthony Patterson to parry away with two beating fists.

The ball is swung back into the Sunderland box, bouncing up kindly for Riley McGree but he screws his half-volley wide.

Had time, didn't have the precision.

Patience from Middlesbrough, working the ball around the edge of the Sunderland penalty area, looking for the right chance rather than swinging blind.

The chance comes, Ryan Giles with a classic knock it and run move down the left, and Lynden Gooch was tempted into the lunge.

Free-kick for Boro. Dangerous.

Middlesbrough midfielder Alex Mowatt gets a stern talking to from Darren Bond, having made a cynical toe on the Achilles challenge on Dan Neil.

Combative is the adjective that comes to mind about Mowatt.