Middlesbrough secured a hard-fought point as they played out a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

Despite taking a first half lead through Britt Assombalonga, the Hoops went in at the break with a 2-1 advantage after a Nahki Wells goal and an own goal from Jonny Howson.

While it seemed like an all-too familiar tale, the Teessiders did salvage a point through Assombalonga, with both sides having chances to turn one point into three.

But what did we make of the result at Loftus Road?

Here's three things that we learned from the 2-2 draw.

One point gained

The 2-2 draw may have extended the run to nine games without a win, but this one felt a little bit different.

There was a positive feeling from the moment that the team news dropped with Darren Randolph, George Friend and Ashley Fletcher making surprise returns, and the battling quality of the performance certainly added to that.

Yes, Middlesbrough let their lead slip but the fact that they were able to battle back to get a point against an in-form QPR side was a real plus and felt like a turning point going into the international break.

[freshpress-poll ]

 

The need for leaders

We mentioned the return of Darren Randolph, George Friend and Ashley Fletcher against QPR, and it's no surprise that their return made a difference.

Middlesbrough's situation is one that needs experienced, level-heads and in Randolph and Friend in particular, you have two players who have been there and done it at both ends of the table.

The Teessiders have looked frail and somewhat naive in recent weeks, but with the duo joining the starting XI alongside the likes of Dani Ayala, Jonny Howson, Paddy McNair and Britt Assombalonga, it starts to look like a team who you could see picking up points over the Christmas period.

It's a confidence game for Britt Assombalonga

It's the same for all strikers in the Championship, but for Britt Assombalonga confidence is key.

While the frontman is a naturally light-hearted and self-assured individual, there's no doubting that his barren spell will have been playing on his mind - particularly when there's so much goalscoring pressure on his should this season.

His two goals against QPR were classic Assombalonga finishes, and the brace will do him the world of good going into the international break.

Assombalonga will be key to Middlesbrough's fortunes this term, and if he can use these goals to go on a bit of a goalscoring run, then it could be the perfect tonic to helping Jonathan Woodgate's side out of the pits.