Jonny Howson reflects on Middlesbrough's tough afternoon at Elland Road following Leeds United demolition job

Middlesbrough utility man Jonny Howson admitted his sides heavy defeat to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon was "tough to take."

Marcelo Bielsa's outfit ran out 4-0 winners at Elland Road thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford, Helder Costa and a brace from playmaker Mateusz Klich as the Whites swept Boro aside with ease.

United hit top spot in the Championship with the victory as they leapfrogged West Brom to the top of the pile with the Baggies making the trip to Preston North End on Monday night.

Jonathan Woodgate's side, though, sit 20th in the division just a single point above the relegation places after the defeat and are still without a win away from home this season.

"It's very tough whenever you lose a game of football heavily," Howson reflected.

"It was always going to be difficult and they have a lot of confidence, but coming to a place like this against a team that is doing well you want to hold them out as long as you can and frustrate them, and that obviously wasn't the case.

"We were starting to get a bit of a foothold in the game towards the end of the first half and then the second goal on the counter was a sucker punch.

"We're disappointed that we couldn't build on the win in midweek but all we can focus on is our next game."

Asked about avoidable errors in defence for Middlesbrough, he added: "That's the difference sometimes.

"In both ends of the box when you get half a chance you need to take it. When you're a team going well you get them and when you're struggling they seem to go against you.

"We're obviously very disappointed but we're a group that will stick together. I don't think anyone gave up.

"We kept going and even now that's what we'll do and focus on next weekend."