The Cup has been used this season as a catalyst for better league performances as well as a means of escape from our current battles in the relegation zone, and following a harrowing 4-0 defeat at White Hart Lane perhaps a continuation of this run would have been welcomed. While the Boro tried somewhat unsuccessfully to play football today, they were shrugged out of the game by a gritty Everton side who were no different to the team that consistently churn out performances in the league week in week out.

With the Boro back in 19th in the Premier League following the Spurs defeat and Stoke's midweek victory, it remains an uphill battle for the Boro to avoid the drop. Whilst Brad Jones did not have his finest game today, it is apparent that both he and Ross Turnbull are subject to games where they produce inconsistent perfomances. While Afonso Alves has been firing blanks recently, it was notable that he didn't even feature on the bench today for reasons which were left unexplained currently, and you must hope that there is no friction around the team at this crucial stage of our season. The Portsmouth game next Saturday is as important as they come and is a true relegation six-pointer that will no doubt test the clubs resolve.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.