Middlesbrough recorded there fourth win a row in all competitions with a 1-0 home victory over bottom of the league Rotherham.

Middlesbrough had made several key changes to there XI due to the risk of suspension to several key players such as centre backs Ayala and Fabbrini.

Middlesbrough were very disciplined on Tuesday not picking up a single booking and controlling the game from start to finish.

With a changed front line, Middlesbrough were able to create plenty of chances but weren't clinical enough to take them.

But Middlesbrough dominated possession and were never really threatened by a Rotherham side low on confidence.

When Downing struck the early goal many thought the floodgates would open but it was quite the contrary as they gave a much improved performance from there drubbing at Derby at the weekend.

Here's THREE things we learned....

1) Middlesbrough's squad depth

The club's depth was shown off at the Riverside who made numerous changes to their strongest teams, as they rested several key players on the brink of suspension to make sure they are available for Hull at the weekend.

The Gibson - Ayala partnership was completely changed and Amorebieta and Kalas kept a clean sheet but were rarely threatened by Rotherham.

Amorebieta did make a mistake at the end gifting the ball to Bowery who should've earned a late point for Rotherham but blazed the chance wide.

The link up play between Friend and De Pena was excellent and Nsue looks a brilliant player at right back and is much improved this season.

Even without Stuani and Fabbrini in the team they create plenty of chances but do lack a certain potency at the moment which could catch up with them against Hull.

2) Downing is the quality player

We all know he is and has recently hit form under Karanka.

Since he moved back to his local team from West Ham he had been fairly disappointing, but since coming on as a sub against Wolves he has returned to imperious form and is the best player in the league on his day.

Downing also showed his Premier League quality against Rotherham preying on a mistake made by the Rotherham midfield, running the length of the half and calmly slotting home past the keeper.

He was also named man of the match and he could be the difference against Hull at the weekend.

3) Improvement from Rotherham

It must be noted that the worst defence in the league, only conceded one goal at the Riverside.

Redfearn deemed their 3-0 defeat at Derby unacceptable and would be happy with the performance his side gave.

Rotherham certainly had plenty of possession in the second half but failed to create many clear cut chances and threaten the defence.

However they were left to rue a late miss from Jordan Bowery which would of earned them a brilliant point, but he blazed wide and this is surely down to the lack of confidence in the side.

But Rotherham will look to build on this improved showing at home to Ipswich at the weekend, and if they can turn their form around and add some players in January, they could stay up.

So what do you think Middlesbrough and Rotherham fans, what did you make of the game ? Leave thoughts and opinions below!