Jonathan Woodgate paid tribute to the "outstanding" attacking trio of Rhian Brewster, Conor Gallagher and Andre Ayew after his Middlesbrough side were dismantled by Swansea City.
Brewster struck twice before Ayew bagged from the penalty spot as Steve Cooper's men ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Boro at the Riverside Stadium in their first post-lockdown Championship encounter.
Victory significantly strengthened Swansea's play-off hopes while defeat for Boro ensured they remain in trouble near the relegation zone.
And Middlesbrough boss Woodgate admits his side simply couldn't cope with Swansea's array of attacking talents.
"I thought we were very poor," he said. "But they've got some exceptional players in Rhian Brewster, Conor Gallagher and Andre Ayew. We just couldn't deal with them.
"It's hard to explain that type of performance. It's not nice to see. It was just the basics of the game at time. It wasn't good enough.
"We won't come up against a Brewster, an Ayew or a Conor Gallagher again. Them three up top, I thought they were absolutely outstanding."
Brewster's brace means he has now struck six times in his 12 appearances for Swansea since joining the club on loan from Liverpool in January.
As for top scorer Ayew, his successful spot-kick means he has now bagged 15 goals in all competitions for the Swans this term.
