Middlesbrough moved to top of the Championship table after their 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Friday night.

Speaking to Birmingham Live, Baggies boss Darren Moore praised his former colleague Tony Pulis, who guided his side to victory, courtesy of a last minute winner from Daniel Ayala.

Moore stated: “As I said before in my pre-match notes, myself and Tony are good friends.

“We’re hard working individuals within the game and outside the game. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, in terms of a man and also as a manager and a coach within the game.”

It was Tony Pulis’ first meeting with the Baggies since getting the sack last November, despite sitting above the Premier League relegation zone at the time of his departure from the Hawthorns.

Middlesbrough were the better team for the large majority of the Championship affair, despite West Brom enjoying the better of the possession on the night.

Darren Moore may feel slightly hard done by, as there was a hint of handball during the build up to Ayala’s late winner, but he cannot argue with the final result.

Boro now sit top of the Championship table, with Pulis' side travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United next Friday night.

The Verdict

The real winner from Middlesbrough’s 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion was Tony Pulis.

Ayala sealed the win with a somewhat controversial late goal, but Darren Moore will not be happy with how his team played for the large majority of the match.

The Baggies looked uncomfortable and uncoordinated in the back line against a tall, dominant Boro side at the Riverside, and have plenty to work on for the season ahead.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments! 

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