Under new boss Garry Monk, Middlesbrough have enjoyed a relatively solid start to the season, having accumulated a tally of eleven points from their opening seven games.

The return sees the Teessiders sit in ninth place - just outside of the play-off places - and Monk will surely be reasonably happy with the start his side have made.

Middlesbrough spent big this summer, as they attempt to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and fans will begin to wonder when this sparkling squad will begin to put a run of results together.

A draw at Aston Villa last night may have dampened some spirits, but could Boro’s first serious run of good form have already started?

At the weekend, a Britt Assombalonga double helped to dispatch Bolton Wanderers in a 3-0 win at the Macron Stadium, and Boro would arguably have taken the spoils at Villa Park had they not been reduced to ten men after just four minutes following Adama Traore’s red card.

With ten men, Boro performed well against their opposition, and their display was certainly worthy of a taking a point back to the north east.

In their next league game, Boro take on QPR at the Riverside, and will expect to pick up the three points against Ian Holloway’s men.

A difficult away trip to Fulham follows, before home ties against strugglers, Norwich City and Brentford.

Realistically, the club has the ability to pick up nine points from these games, and even two home wins and a draw at Craven Cottage would place Monk’s men firmly in the promotion mix.

With Britt Assombalonga finding form and the defence looking strong, having conceded just three in seven games, Middlesbrough look like they are beginning to forge something very special.

Boro fans, do you think that your recent form could mark the start of a run of results?