Stuani strikes twice to sink Moyes' boys

David Moyes will probably feel as though his side deserved to win the game as Sunderland created a great deal of chances, but a more clinical Middlesbrough meant that the Scot continues to search for his first point at his new club.

Sunderland started brightly and controlled possession, but didn't create any clear-cut chances.

Despite dominating possession, Middlesbrough scored a brilliant goal against the run of play. Cristhian Stuani picked up the ball around 35 yards from goal, dribbled and struck a beautiful long-range strike into the top-right corner.

Sunderland continued to threaten, and Jermaine Defoe almost played in Duncan Watmore, but the former England international misplaced his pass.

Middlesbrough punished Sunderland once again just before half-time. Adam Forshaw played a lovely reverse pass to Alvaro Negredo who timed his run perfectly, the Spaniard selflessly squared to Stuani who was on hand to finish once again, this time from close-range.

Sunderland came out much better in the second half and Patrick Van Aanholt forced a good save from Brad Guzan down to his left. Moyes also brought on Jermemain Lens and the Dutchman looked lively when he came on and had an effort blocked by George Friend just after half-time.

Jermaine Defoe also has an effort blocked by Ben Gibson not long after, although it was a fairly weak left-footed effort.

Sunderland then set up a nail-biting finish for Middlesbrough fans as Patrick Van Aanholt managed to pounce on a rebound from a Duncan Watmore shot from outside the area with 20 minutes to play.

The Black Cats continued to push for an equaliser, but Middlesbrough held firm meaning the three points headed back to Teesside.