Crystal Palace welcomed Middlesbrough to Selhurst Park this afternoon as both sides looked to boost their chances at the top of the Championship table.

The Eagles completely outplayed their opponents, routing them 4-1 thanks to goals from Peter Ramage, Kevin Phillips and a brace from Glenn Murray.

The result condemns Boro to their sixth defeat in seven games.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look to see where the match was won and lost.

Match statistics

Palace
Shots: 11
On Target: 6
Possession: 56%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 7

Middlesbrough
Shots: 6
On Target: 5
Possession: 44%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 5

Was the result fair?

Absolutely, of that there can be no doubt. Palace were dominant from start to finish.

Palace's performance

9/10. This was pretty close to a perfect 10. The only criticism that could be levelled their way would be the failure to keep a clean sheet. At no point did the result look in doubt, as the Eagles grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck early on and refused to let go. Wilfried Zaha was immense, as was Stephen Dobbie. Glenn Murray took both of his goals well, but should probably have had a hat-trick. Kagisho Dikgacoi and Mile Jedinak completely bossed the midfield.

Middlesbrough's performance

2/10. Tony Mowbray's side were very poor this afternoon. Five defeats in their previous six games meant that they were a side woefully short on confidence, and it showed. The only positive that they can take from the game was the performance of Faris Haroun, who got himself on the scoresheet. Otherwise, there's plenty for the manager to ponder.

Referee's performance

Oliver Langford was not given much to do this afternoon. He got his cards out just the once, quite rightly booking Rhys Williams for a late challenge on Damien Delaney.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Wilfried Zaha: He was a real livewire, setting up two goals and causing plenty of problems for Boro's backline. They just couldn't get to grips with him.

Biggest gaffe

As stated above, Glenn Murray should have had a hat-trick. He had the chance to put Palace 2-0 in the first half when Zaha stood the ball up at the back post, but his header was a poor one.

What's next?

Palace: Ian Holloway's men welcome Bristol City to Selhurst Park on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough: Boro make the trip to Burnley, also on Tuesday.

Written by
Michael Penkman