Boro demolish Man City

Middlesbrough put in a memorable 8-1 victory over Man City; it was an absolute dismal way for Sven-Goran Eriksson to end his tenure if, as expected, Thaksin Shinawatra gives the Swede his marching orders.

The match began badly for City when striker Benjani Mwaruwari received lengthy treatment after being caught in the chest and was replaced by Nery Castillo.

Boro took the lead in the 16th minute when Tuncay raced on to a long ball and, as he entered the penalty area, he accidentally caught Dunne’s leg as the defender tried to get back. Dunne was sent off and Stewart Downing fired the ball home.

Afonso Alves slotted home in 37th to add more misery to City's woes. Downing bagged another goal later as he smashed a volley home.

Afonso Alves made it 4-0 when he raced on to Arca’s through-ball to stab past Isaksson.

Boro grabbed a fifth as Johnson deflected the ball past the keeper.

Rochemback made it 6-0 with a 30-yard free-kick 10 minutes from time and substitute Aliadiere fired home the seventh in the 85th minute.

Elano scored a consolation before Afonso Alves completed his hat-trick.