"?Two goals from Tottenham forward Son Heung-Min sent Boro to a third consecutive defeat in an entertaining game at the Riverside.
Tottenham should have been out of sight in the first half, but poor finishing and some heroic goalkeeping from Victor Valdes ensured Boro were still in the game. Ben Gibson scored after the break, but Boro couldn't find another.
A cracking start to the game saw Middlesbrough initially pile pressure on the Spurs goal, but it was in vain as they went behind after seven minutes. Son scored after he was set up by Vincent Janssen, who took his place in the starting line up after an injury to Harry Kane in the game with Sunderland.
Janssen held up the ball and fed Son, whose goal was inexplicably similar to the one Boro conceded from Seamus Coleman last week. Spurs then turned the screw and deservedly scored again. Son scored a cracking goal after he worked room for himself inside the box and then unleashed a shot that flew past Boro keeper Victor Valdes.
4 - Son Heung-Min has already equaled his Premier League goal tally from 2015-16 in just three appearances this season (4). Form.
Spurs dominated the rest of the half and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after Cristhian Stuani bundled Dele Alli over in the box. Alli should have then been on the score-sheet himself after he blazed over a few yards out from goal after Calum Chambers was caught by Christian Eriksen.
Boro hadn't scored a second half goal in the league this season, but the additions of Adama Traore and Jordan Rhodes gave Boro renewed impetus after the break and they were rewarded when they managed to pull a goal back.
A Stewart Downing free kick was headed in by Ben Gibson after he out muscled Moussa Sissoko at the back post.
The goal gave Boro some optimism going forward, but they failed to find the chance that would have drawn them level.
For Spurs it was a win that enabled them to enjoy their best start to a Premier League season, and it showed that even without Harry Kane that Spurs can still score.
On the other hand it cemented a third consecutive defeat for Boro and they are now looking down the table towards the relegation zone. Boro next play West Ham and already that is looking like a pivotal game for Boro who need to pick up points fast.
Tottenham XI vs. Middlesbrough: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Wanyama, Alli; Sissoko, Eriksen, Son; Janssen.