Middlesbrough left it late as they started the new year with an important win at Hull City.

Alex Gilbert came off the bench with three minutes of normal time remaining and, in a huge moment for him, scored a 93rd minute winner at the MKM Stadium. The victory sent Boro up to fifth.

In a game where Boro largely underwhelmed from an attacking view, Michael Carrick’s subs made the difference after he made four changes for the game. Here’s how the Boro players rated.

Tom Glover - 7

A second consecutive clean sheet for the Australian. He didn’t have to work too hard for this one, but did everything he had to with calm.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 7

Another solid showing from the right back. He was solid defensively throughout against a poor Hull side, and got involved in the attack too, with a couple of strong drives.

Rav van den Berg - 7

A classy return to the side after suspension. Bedia came on late to cause a few problems with his strength, but Van den Berg showed why he deserves to start games when fit as he didn’t put a foot wrong.

Dael Fry - 7

Dominant throughout, Fry came up with a number of big headers and a couple of big blocks again too. He was solid.

Lukas Engel - 6

A steady but safe return to the side. He had a lot of opportunities to attack the left wing that he seemed reluctant to take it. But he was solid on his first start since August.

Dan Barlaser - 6

Steady without being spectacular. This was a game in which Hull asked few questions of him and so he was able to just keep the ball ticking.

Hayden Hackney - 6

Not at his best again, but always had the positive intent. He was just a little too sloppy at times, but, to his credit, it didn’t ever deter him. But he’ll know he can be a lot better than he’s been of late. Was unlucky with one effort that hit the post in the second half.

Isaiah Jones - 6

Back into the starring line-up, he worked hard and earned Boro an early chance with his press. But in general, he struggled to have enough of an attacking threat to worry Hull.

Finn Azaz - 6

Had a couple of efforts from range well-saved but struggled to have his usual influence. Has looked a little leggy in Boro’s last two.

Riley McGree - 7

Lively throughout as he tried to influence something for Boro in the final third. He very nearly did so with one excellent long-range effort before tiring in the second half.

Emmanuel Latte Lath - 6

Lacked service throughout the game and though he battled hard for his side, there was one or two times where his touch was off or he didn’t gamble on a ball across the box.

Substitutions

Neto Borges (For Engel, 69’) - 6 - Solid without being spectacular from the bench as other subs made a huge impact.

Ben Doak (For Jones, 69’) - 7 - Initially bright from the bench as he upped Boro’s tempo immediately and created two big changes within moments of coming on.

Delano Burgzorg (For McGree, 69’) - 7 - Unlucky with one effort of his own shortly after coming on before his positive display was rewarded when he drove to the byline and set up Boro’s winner.

Alex Gilbert (For Azaz, 88’) - 7 - We normally wouldn’t mark a player coming on so late, but how could you not? Credit to Gilbert. He’s had it tough at Boro, but that was a huge moment.