A goal from Cristhian Stuani after 44 seconds was enough to send Middlesbrough back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship after a hard fought 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the Riverside.

Christian Stuani

Cristhian Stuani’s winner was his tenth goal of the season and gave Boro their ninth home win of the campaign.

Sheffield Wednesday gave Middlesbrough a good run for their money through the game, but were unable to break the Boro defence that recorded their seventh consecutive clean sheet in the league, and eighth at the Riverside Stadium.

In the opening moment of the game, Stewart Downing delivered a great ball from the left hand side which was met perfectly by Stuani, who side-footed past Joe Wildsmith.

The home side almost doubled their lead two minutes later when Stuani played in Emilio Nsue who cut inside before his shot was deflected over the bar. Stuani caused chaos in the first half for the Owls defence, but was unable extend the lead.

Wednesday looked a lot stronger in the opening period of the second half, pressurising Boro for the first time in the game.

There was a big chance for the visitors when the ball dropped inside the box for Forestieri, but he was denied from close range and Boro scrambled it clear.

Boro were under pressure again in the 81st minute and Daniel Ayala did well to head off the line before Adam Clayton cleared the second ball.

The Owls continued to make Boro sweat, but the Teessiders held on to go two points clear at the top of the Championship with a game in hand. Sheffield Wednesday still remain one point away from 6th placed Ipswich Town and only lost only their third game in eight.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams looks at THREE things we learned from the game…

1) Can Middlesbrough win the league?

Middlesbrough’s win over Wednesday has put them back into pole position at the top of the table, temporarily at least with Derby playing tomorrow.

They look like an unstoppable force at the moment after winning eight of their last ten games and it looks like it is going to be a two horse race with Derby for the Championship crown after they opened up the gap from Hull by five points.

It sets up a terrific game on Saturday when the Rams travel to Teesside and the top two in the division face off.

2) Did Wednesday deserve to come away with nothing?

The player’s second half display was a much improved display as they had plenty of chances to get back into the game. They have certainly been a threat up front recently as they have scored ten goals in their last four games.

Forestieri caused havoc in the Middlesbrough penalty area and you could tell that Carlos Carvahal was showing signs of frustration.

He made his feelings clear in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, but you have to credit Middlesbrough for their defensive efforts in the game.

3) Dimi Konstantopolous continues his terrific form

When 37-year-old goalkeeper arrived at Middlesbrough, he was fourth choice and he simply signed by Tony Mowbray as back-up to Jason Steele, Jayson Leutwhile and Connor Ripley.

However, he has worked hard to establish himself as the club's number 1 goalkeeper and he equalled a club record with last night's clean sheet, keeping eight at home in the league.

Incredibly, it was also his 41st clean sheet since his arrival in 2013 and he is a massive part of Boro's success this season.

Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday fans...What did you make of the game? Will Boro go on to win the title? Should Carlos Carvalhal have dealt with the fixture build-up better? Let us know what you think in the comments below!