Wayne Rooney admitted he was a little frustrated that his Plymouth Argyle side were only able to draw against Middlesbrough, as he detailed the game plan that allowed his side to dominate.

Particularly in the first half, the home side were dominant after settling into the game and were a little unfortunate to only have a one-goal lead at the interval. Though Boro did improve and show more purpose in a thrilling second half, Rooney’s side still managed to create chances as the game ended 3-3.

Offering his verdict after and detailing his plans for the game, Rooney said: “I thought first half we were excellent, both in possession and out of possession. We got the press right and nullified the way Middlesbrough wanted to play. Middlesbrough are a very good attacking team and very good at taking the ball and playing through lines.

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“I thought we got our distance right, and pressure right, and forced them to go a bit more direct. We were winning first and second balls and we were very unlucky to go in at the break only one-nil up. Then in the second half we concede early and Middlesbrough started getting control of the game a bit, but we were still creating good chances, good opportunities to score.

"So I think based on chances alone we probably deserved to win the game. I'm a little bit disappointed we didn't, and two of the three goals we were certainly a little bit naive. But overall it was a good performance, we caused them problems and if we keep them levels up - certainly from at times against Swansea but also Sheffield United and today - we will win games."

Plymouth particularly had joy throughout the game in the wide areas, as Boro’s wide men struggled to offer enough protection to either full-back. Particularly on Boro’s left, Neto Borges was left badly exposed, with so many dangerous opportunities coming from that side of the pitch.

Admitting that was a plan, Rooney continued: "Everything this week has been about attacking so it was really pleasing to see us create as many chances, and good chances, as we did.

"I thought Moose (Bundu) was excellent on the right for us and really caused their left-back big problems. Bali (Mumba) as well. I have spoke to Bali straight after the game. Moose was absolutely destroying the left-back and I said to him (Mumba) at half-time 'Just give him the ball, keep giving him the ball and let him attack him'.

"The one time he doesn't, he over-runs it, they get the corner and they score (the third goal). So that's what I mean about being a bit naive, the little details I always talk about, but, again, I thought Bali was excellent as well. There were so many good performances out there which is real positive signs for us.”

In conclusion, the Plymouth boss added: "We wanted to win, of course, the same way Middlesbrough wanted to win. I think for periods of the game we were on top and we were better, and for periods of the game they were on top of us.

"I think it was a good game, certainly a great advert for the league and we are disappointed we didn't win it. Sitting in the dressing room with the players after the game it felt like a defeat but looking back it's a real positive performance.

"We keep saying it, I think we are shooting ourselves in the foot with quite a few of the goals we are conceding. If we keep performing the way we have done over the last week, 10 days then we will win games. What's important is when you don't win a game you don't lose it. It could have been better but I think it's a good start to the Christmas period for us."