Despite dominating possession, Middlesbrough did not overly work Watford keeper Jonathan Bond at Vicarage Road.

The visitors mustered 11 goal attempts despite having 62% possession – and in the first half they had nearer 70% of the ball.

“We’ve played against a top team today and conceded less chances than we have in our last four or five games,” said Tom Cleverley.

“That is a big plus to have come out of today.

“I think Mattie Pollock has consistently been one of our best players this season, Angelo Ogbonna has been a really good addition and it was good to see Ryan Porteous back to his best.

“We know Ryan has gone through a little bit of a spell but he’s worked his way out of it and still been a fantastic person around the place, helping the younger players and being a leader.

“We all know his qualities and we’re just pleased he was back to his best today.”

Although they spent a lot of time with the ball, Boro always played with a hint of caution – was the threat the Hornets pose on the break in their minds?

“Possibly, I’d have to ask Michael Carrick about that one,” said Cleverley.

“With Giorgi being such a good ball carrier, and then the pace of Jebbison, the pace of Baah when he came on, the quality of Ince – we can pose quite a threat.

“I don’t want to be tagged as a counter-attacking team but sometimes you have to absorb when the opposition is so good with the ball.”

Tom Ince made his first league start of the season and had a very good game, save for one uncharacteristically poor choice when he tried a back-heel that led to the concession of the free-kick from which the visitors scored.

“Let’s not focus on that one. He’s come into the team today and been excellent,” said the Watford boss.

“I wasn’t surprised it was given as a free-kick because we had nothing go our way in terms of decisions today, and it’s rare for a winning manager to say that.

“It was really difficult to gain momentum today.

“But I’m not focussing on Ince’s backheel because I thought he was excellent today.”