Middlesbrough are enduring a good season so far as they attempt to build on the success of last year, and reach the promised land of the Premier League.

Last year they were humbled by Norwich in the play-off final, after manager Aitor Karanka had overseen a magnificent recovery from previous seasons.

This season they have proved there success last season was no fluke, and at the time of writing, are sitting in third place, just two points off top with a game in hand.

Owner Steve Gibson has spent big as Middlesbrough strive for automatic promotion, and this was all capped off by the big January signing of lethal Blackburn frontman Jordan Rhodes.

Joined by other big money signings Nugent and Stuani, they are up at the top challenging.

Last season Middlesbrough took advantage of the loan market to bring in Patrick Bamford who incredibly scored 19 goals and was named Championship Player of the Year.

They have done the same this season, signing Gaston Ramirez, Tomas Kalas and Ritchie de Laet in the loan window, who have all become important squad members.

Middlesbrough have not been as potent in front of goal this season but their impressive backline from last season has been even better this season, with the imperious centre back partnership of Ayala and Gibson, perhaps the best in the division.

Form of wing backs Nsue and Friend have been better than last season too and as soon as Rhodes starts firing in the run in, they may be hard to stop in the battle for automatic promotion.

Here are FIVE things we have learnt about Middlesbrough this season........

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE THINGS!

[/ffc-gallery]

 

No fluke

 

Their vast improvement last season from the one before then has proved to be no fluke, as they have replicated that form this season.

Middlesbrough spent little money last season in comparison to this season, and most neutrals observed that they were overly reliant at times on the goals of loan signing Patrick Bamford.

But now Bamford is gone, Middlesbrough are still right at the top showing Middlesbrough had many other strengths last season.

Their backline mainly, who have been essential this season as well, as the well balanced midfield of Leadbitter and Clayton.

Great Ambition

Middlesbrough are going for it this season as chairman Steve Gibson sees his chance to build on the success of last year.

He moved to replace the void left by Bamford by signing experienced strikers in the shape of Nugent and Stuani, who have both been crucial to the promotion push so far.

He has shown interest in the youth ranks at Middlesbrough, signing youngsters De Pena and De Sart showing investment in the future.

But the biggest statement of them all by Gibson was the £9 million pound signing of Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn, who is one of the most potent strikers at this level.

Gibson means business and he has sent a message to the rest of the clubs that Middlesbrough won't be stopped this time.

Tactical mishaps

Karanka has worked wonders at Middlesbrough since his arrival, strengthening the backline and creating an industrious midfield.

But at times this season fans have been unhappy with some of the tactical decisions made by Karanka and it mainly concerns his midfield.

The Leadbitter/Clayton partnership was praised regularly last season as it protected the defence excellently, and when Middlesbrough went a goal ahead they were hard to break down.

But a lot of fans think the partnership offers very little when Middlesbrough go a goal down, and Forshaw would be the better option as he is a more attacking player.

Fans also wish Karanka to play a 4-4-2 formation with Rhodes and Nugent up front instead of dropping Nugent in the hole behind Rhodes.

Inconsistent wingers

Whilst Middlesbrough are performing well as a unit, they can sometimes be a bit too negative and defensive when the players they have should be good enough to rip sides apart.

Stewart Downing was signed for £7 million pounds from West Ham and the boyhood star has been disappointing since his return, with a poor out ball and he gives the ball away too much.

Adomah has also been very inconsistent with the odd excellent performance but Karanka has had to draft in Ramirez and play Stuani on the wing, to give Karanka more options due to the inconsistencies of Adomah and Downing.

It is undoubted that they will both have to improve for the run in.

Big game mentality

The big games last season did not go well for Middlesbrough as they were beaten by Watford and Bournemouth in the season's run in, before losing to Norwich in the Championship play-off final.

This season they also suffered a big defeat away at rivals Hull but other than that their performances in the big games have been excellent.

Their 2-0 win over Derby was impressive and also hold victories over Burnley, Wolves and Brighton as well as taking six points off the impressive Sheffield Wednesday.

But the big games are too come with matches against Hull and Burnley looking potentially title deciding as Boro try to shake off their bottling image.

What have you learned about Middlesbrough so far? Leave thoughts and opinions below!