Middlesbrough became the second team to be relegated from the Premier League this season, after their 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Monday night.
Manager Steve Agnew replaced Aitor Karanka earlier this season, but the change in management was not enough to keep the side in the top-tier. Middlesbrough now have been relegated four times for the top-tier in the Premier League-era.
4 – No side has been relegated from the Premier League on more occasions than Middlesbrough. Tumble. pic.twitter.com/qONF43I56K
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 8, 2017
Although Sunderland bit the bullet before their north-east rivals, Middlesbrough's relegation has been touted since early Spring.
Here's three reasons why Middlesbrough have gone straight back to The Championship, after their one-year soujorn in the top-flight.
Wins
No team have won fewer games than Middlesbrough have this season. In 36 games, Boro have won only five times, most recently at home to Sunderland last month. Despite the handful of wins, Sunderland were defeated home and away. 11th place Bournemouth are the best team that have lost to Agnew's side this season.
Goals
Goals have been scare for Middlesbrough this season. With 26 goals scored in 36 games, Premier League leaders Chelsea have scored almost three-times more since August. In the 36 games, Boro have failed to score in exactly half of the matches.
Alvaro Negredo is the team's top-scorer this season with nine goals. No other Middlesbrough player has reached five goals in the league this season.
Mid-season form
After Middlesbrough's 3-0 win over Swansea City in December, they failed to win in the following 16 league games. That streak saw the side earn only six points and score seven goals.
Unable to win matches against the likes of Burnley, Watford, Crystal Palace, Swansea, Hull and Bournemouth, that streak was crucial to Middlesbrough's relegation.
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