CHERRIES defeated Championship play-off rivals Middlesbrough 3-0 at Dean Court this afternoon. Here, we look at the crucial aspects.

1 – HARRY ARTER IS STILL GETTING BETTER

The former Woking man was a driving force throughout and ran the game.

His use of the ball was excellent and his goal sublime. The 25-year-old’s positive run into the box resulted in the second penalty of the day.

Another telling contribution.

2 – CHERRIES HAVE THE STOMACH FOR A BATTLE

The showpiece game of the day, live on Sky, plenty at stake – none of this seemed to faze Eddie Howe’s men.

If anything, they appeared to relish the limelight.

They were not remotely intimidated by their visitors and in fact imparted a football lesson.

3 – EVEN TOP TEAMS CAN HAVE BAD DAYS

While Cherries were excellent all over the pitch, Middlesbrough were lacking in conviction and made very little impression.

Lee Tomlin occasionally sparked into life but the likes of Patrick Bamford, Adam Clayton and Albert Adomah were subdued.

It tells its own story that Boro did not have a single shot on target.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

When Arter picked out the top corner – via the post – to make it 2-0.

It is a difficult skill to score from the left corner of the box with the left foot but the Londoner caught his strike magnificently.

Dean Court erupted.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Top scorer Callum Wilson came off having felt discomfort in his knee in the closing stages.