Middlesbrough 1-0 Hull: Three things we learnt

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The importance of the transfer window

Regardless of the result, it is definitively clear that both of these teams will need to be pro-active in the transfer market when January arrives.

Whilst the win moves Middlesbrough away from the bottom three they remain perilously close to the relegation zone. Aitor Karanka has created a solid, well organised defensive unit and the recent performances of both Ben Gibson and Callum Chambers at centre-half have been outstanding. However, they need more quality in the final third and they are desperate for a striker that will be able to lead the line and score the 10+ goals that could guarantee safety. The addition of a goal scorer and a creative midfielder, to work from their current solid defensive foundation, should be enough to secure safety.

Defeat leaves Hull second from bottom but they are certainly not out of the fight just yet. It is no secret that Mike Phelan has been handicapped by an extensive injury list and a lack of investment over the summer but the former Manchester United coach desperately needs reinforcements in January. The Tigers look well-short in the midfield and striking departments although the experienced defensive axis of David Marshall, Matthew Dawson and Curtis Davies does give Phelan something to build upon. Whether the Hull manager will be given the financial backing in the New Year though remains to be seen.

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