Middlesbrough 3 Charlton 0: Zuculini takes praise as Boro look perfect

He said: “I said on Friday that it wasn’t going to be an easy game because it is difficult to play Manchester United on Wednesday and then play here.

“I thought the first goal was the key. When we scored, the game became much easier. It was almost perfect. You can always improve but it’s difficult to find a fault. We’ve won, had a clean sheet and didn’t pick up injuries or suspensions.

“We’re almost averaging two points per game and are in the quarter-finals of the cup, so we are where we wanted to be.

“But we have another important game on Tuesday (v Rotherham), so we have to recover.”

Karanka was particularly pleased with the performance of midfielder Bruno Zuculini, who has impressed since joining on loan from Manchester City.

He said: “He arrived five days ago, played at Old Trafford and has played today. He’s looked like he has been here all season.

“I think that shows how good and strong this team is and also the character Bruno has.”

Interim Charlton manager Karel Fraeye – Guy Luzon was relieved of his duties in midweek – was powerless as second-half goals from David Nugent, Albert Adomah and Daniel Ayala inflicted an eighth defeat in 10 Championship games on Charlton.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Nsue, Ayala (Stephens 79), Gibson; Amorebieta, Clayton, Zuculini, Adomah, Fabbrini (Garcia 82); Downing (De Pena 80), Nugent. Unused substitutes: Friend, Leadbitter, Mejias, Kalas.

Charlton Athletic: Henderson, Solly, Diarra, Bauer, Fox; Ba (Ghoochannejhad 69), Gudmundsson, Jackson, Cousins; Ahearne-Grant (Moussa 79), Makienok Christoffersen (Watt 61). Unused substitutes: Sarr, Bergdich, McAleny, Pope.

Referee: A Madley (West Yorkshire).

Man of the match: Bruno Zuculini.