Elated Michael Carrick takes so many positives as Middlesbrough continue clinical form at Oxford

Michael Carrick was understandably elated as his much-changed Middlesbrough side continued their fine form in an emphatic 6-2 victory at Oxford United.

Coming from behind, Emmanuel Latte Lath’s hat-trick was complemented by Finn Azaz’s brace and one from substitute Tommy Conway as Boro’s recent clinical touch continued after the international break. It moved them into the top six.

A third consecutive win for Boro, it’s a period in which they’ve really found their goalscoring touch after early-season frustrations in front of goal. They have 15 goals in their last three games, or 13 in their last three away from the Riverside.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough player ratings vs Oxford with two 9s and three 8s in superb away win

READ MORE: Crucial Middlesbrough factor named as Sol Brynn passes huge test of character and quality

Carrick said: “There were so many positives to take from today, starting with Sol [Brynn] - massive save that led to the second goal. I'm delighted for Sol. You could go through the full team, there were so many positives.

“I think you could identify so many of the lads of having a threat in so many different ways. Delano [Burgzorg] played out on the left and then Riley [McGree] comes on for him, Micah [Hamilton] then comes on late as well. That’s three lads who all play the same position very differently.

“It’s really good options. Tommy and Manu as well, up top, very different strengths which helps. Luckily they’re all finding their feet, they all want to start and all want to play.

“You could see that in how we finished because we were still looking dangerous and some of the football towards the end was fantastic and we could have scored even more. It’s really encouraging and it’s good to see the boys playing with that spring in the step.”

Brynn came in for his league debut for Boro as Seny Dieng missed out through illness. It was one of four changes Carrick made for this one - with injuries to Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney calling for Dan Barlaser and Jonny Howson to also start. Neto Borges returning to the line-up was the only unenforced change.

It highlighted Boro’s strength in depth as they still turned in a performance of such quality to keep their positive run going. They did so in testing conditions too, as a high wind and heavy rainfall could have easily disrupted them.

“We knew it would be tough,” Carrick said. “A fast pitch with a lot of wind. Especially after going a goal down… We started okay and created chances and made the keeper make saves. Then we went behind but got back into the game and played some really good football.

“We spoke over the last couple of days about what it was going to be like weather-wise and dealing with it, and expecting the worst really. We came here with that attitude and finding a way.

“And the boys did that. Jonny and Dan coming in together and not playing a lot of games were fantastic, and everything clicked from there. We looked dangerous, scored goals, and the boys coming off the bench finished the game off and gave us an extra push. I'm delighted.”

While Morris faces an extended spell on the sidelines, Dieng and Hackney are both to be assessed once Boro get back to Teesside. Boro are back in action on Wednesday evening when they host Blackburn Rovers at the Riverside.