Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has said that his side produced their "biggest victory" but their "worst performance" as they swept aside basement side Swansea City at the Riverside this afternoon.

The result ended a run of back-to-back league defeats and lifted the side four points clear of relegation drama, but Karanka admitted that he was not left totally happy come the final whistle.

"It's been our biggest victory, but it was our worst performance," he told reporters. "Sometimes the points are more important than the performance. The main thing is to create chances. We created a few and scored three goals.

"Everybody in this group is really confident. We've picked up experience after every game.

"It was massive to get the win. These wins against direct opponents are always really important."

Boro next face away trips to Burnley and Manchester United over the festive period.