Manchester City's inconsistent form continued as suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in their Premier League clash at the Riverside Stadium.

After a scrappy first half, Afonso Alves put Boro in the lead after referee Lee Mason awarded a controversial penalty for the hosts. City pressed ahead in search of an equalizer but the Boro defense hung on before Gary O'Neil wrapped up all three points by doubling the lead in the final minute of the game.

Manchester City were keen to avenge their heavy 8-1 defeat to Boro in the final game of last season but both the side were struggling to settle into any kind of a rhythm. City were the first to hit a shot on target as Robinho's low drive was saved comfortably by Ross Turnbull.

Alves had a great chance to put Boro in the lead midway through the first half but could only manage to direct his header straight to Joe Hart. City came out on the attack in the second half but it was Boro who took the lead, albeit in a controversial manner.

Daniel Sturridge and David Wheater both raced forward to meet the ball in the City penalty area and the Boro defender went down after being shouldered away by Sturridge and the referee was quick to award a penalty despite protests from the visitors.

Alves coolly stepped up and converted his chance to put Boro in the lead eight minutes into the second half. The visitors stepped up the pressure in a desperate search of an equalizer but Boro wrapped up the points with a counter attacking move that saw O'Neil slam home his shot into the roof of the net to double the lead in injury time.