“It was a really good night” Steven Schumacher said as he reveals the key to their 5-0 victory over Boro.

Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher reveals the key to their 5-0 victory over Boro.

Steven Schumacher believes the key difference between Middlesbrough and his Stoke City side was their clinical finishing in the game as the Potters dumped Boro out of the Carabao Cup.

Winning 5-0 at the Riverside with goals from Emre Tezgel, Ryan Mmaee, Lewis Koumas and Million Manhoef (2), Stoke punished Boro after Michael Carrick’s side created their fair share of opportunities in the first half before a disastrous second-half collapse. Boro conceded four goals within 12 minutes.

Schumacher said: “It was a really good night. These are nights as a coach you have to enjoy when you can. You get enough really difficult nights but this was a good one. We picked a really young team – I know Michael Carrick made some changes too and they were younger than they were – but I thought it was a really good game, especially in the first half.

“It was really open, both teams had really good chances and we managed to get ourselves ahead with a really well-worked goal. In the second half we were clinical with our chances – really good, well-worked goals as well, every one of them. And in the final 10 minutes when you’re 5-0 up you can finally enjoy it! To keep a clean sheet as well, against a team of this quality at home, is really pleasing. I’m delighted.”