Middlesbrough hadn’t won at the City Ground since 1999 when current Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman was a player for the side he has gone on to manage. Back then Freeman, a striker in his time, got on the score sheet for Forest before they were beaten 2-1 by Bryan Robson’s Boro side and it was a similar story when the two sides met this weekend.

Boro’s odds of winning the division had been drastically shorten with many bookmakers following a mid-week victory over Brentford, a result which also marked their third victory in a row. Against Forest they notched their winning tally up to four in succession after an action packed Championship fixture.

After just three minutes David Nugent netted his second goal for his new club since his arrival in the summer, however three minutes later the hosts were level courtesy of a lethal finish from centre back Matt Mills. Daniel Ayala’s header before the break restored the visitor’s lead, but the drama didn’t stop there. With twelve minutes to go Ben Gibson handled the ball in the penalty area, providing Henri Lansbury the chance to equalise from the spot. However it was Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos who emerged as the hero as he saved the ball with his legs to keep the score at 2-1

1. Dimi Can Put His Troubles Behind Him

Against Brentford in mid-week Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos made a costly error which led to an opposition equaliser before Boro went on to win the game. But this weekend the Greek goalkeeper quickly put his troubles behind him to produce a man of the match performance which won Boro the game. With his side leading 2-1 Konstantopulos made a series of impressive saves and denied Henri Lansbury from the penalty spot as Boro hung on to record their fourth win in a row.

2. Nugent Could Be The Missing Piece In The Jigsaw?

Ever since their relegation from the Premier League Boro have craved for an effective centre forward who can make an impact and score goals. The likes of Lukas Jutekiewitz, Ishmael Miller and Danny Graham have all played as a lone striker and have all come and gone with limited success. But at last Boro may have found the answer. Nugent scored his second goal of the season on Saturday and looks like he may be the man to replace the goals scored by Patrick Bamford last season. Nugent, who scored 20 goals for Leicester in the Championship two years ago, hassled and harried the Forest defence all afternoon and played a big part in the victory.

3. Boro Are A Force Away From Home

Last season Boro lost just three games at home, but it was their away form which let them down and ultimately cost them promotion. This campaign they have already won on the road at Forest and at Sheffield Wednesday where they were beaten last season. Similar results away from the Riverside will help sustain a strong promotion challenge.

4. Corner Troubles

Boro conceded the least amount of goals in the league last season, however on Saturday their often stern defence appeared a little more vulnerable than usual, especially from corners. No one picked up Matt Mills when he scored Forest’s equaliser and there were other occasions when opposition players were left unmarked. It’s something manager Aitor Karanka will have to address.

5. Favourites Rise To Occasion

The cameras were on Boro in Sky Sports’ lunch time kick-off in a week were they were made clear favourites with the bookmakers to win the league. However Karanka’s side were unfazed and recorded their fourth victory in a row, beating a Forest side who were also in good form after winning their last two games.

Man Of The Match

Dimi Konstantopulos

The Boro keeper made a series of top saves in the second half to keep his side in front. He became the match winner with twelve minutes to go by saving Henri Lansbury’s penalty which would have swung the momentum.

Forest’s Best

Chris O’Grady

The Forest striker, on loan from Brighton, was a constant threat to Boro’s backline using his strength and good hold up play to win free kicks in dangerous positions. He also pressurised Ben Gibson into handling the ball which resulted in a penalty.