Middlesbrough 8-1 Manchester City

An Alfonso Alves hat trick helps ‘Boro record the best result of the Premier League season.

Brazilian January signing Alfonso Alves hit a hat trick and England international and Steve McClaren favourite Stewart Downing struck twice, to help Middlesbrough embarass Sven Goran Eriksson in his last game as manager of Manchester City.

Richard Dunne’s red card on 15 minutes set the tone for toothless City. He was sent from play for tripping goal-bound Tuncay. Stewart Downing scored from the spot to open the rout.

Alves made no mistake with his finis after picking up a Rochemback ball.

But Middlesbrough waited until the second half before they really laid into City.

In 12 minutes they hit three goals. Downing volleyed his second, before Alves ran through to power home his second.

Johnson hit a 25-yarder on 70 minutes that deflected in off Michael Ball.

Then Rochemback smashed in a stunning free-kick before substitute Jeremie Aliadiere made it seven.

Elano replied on 87 minutes but Alves completed his treble seconds from time.