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We should have known what was coming....

Boro left it late yet again but moved one step closer to the Premier League thanks to a brace from Jordan Rhodes at Bolton.

Jonathon Taylor offers five observations from the game.

The inevitable

After Tuesday's win over Reading, I wrote that late goals are no fluke. They're an art - especially when they happen so often.

It was the same old story for Boro at Bolton, and after Jordan Rhodes did equalise, the inevitable was always coming.

Boro swarmed over the Trotters, the balls kept flying into the box from every angle, and it was only a matter of time.

Moments before the winner, Rhodes even saw an audacious overhead kick rattle off the post - and Bolton's defence were like a rabbit in headlights.

Boro have now scored late goals against Hull, Huddersfield and now Bolton in the last six games.

That's six points gained in stoppage time - and that could be the difference between going up and not.

When they have to, Boro seem to be finding a way. It's the first time that Boro have won six consecutive league victories since 1991 - what a time to be equalling club records!

Read more Admirable spirit to turn potential nightmare into huge victory | Digest

Laboured and lethargic

It ended in celebration for Boro, but for the first hour it was pretty tough viewing.

The team laboured against a resolute Bolton team, and looked lethargic.

That's not to say Boro didn't create chances - Stewart Downing rattled the crossbar with a stunning effort - but you'd expect that when top of the league meets bottom.

Boro didn't move the ball quick enough, and there seemed to be something missing.

Bolton's goal ultimately proved to be the perfect wake-up, and after that went in, Boro moved up another gear. In the end, it's three points - and at this stage in the season, performances are somewhat irrelevant.

Ramirez provided different dimension

At half-time, the game was crying out for Gaston Ramirez to come on and dictate.

There was plenty of space between the Bolton defence and midfield, and Boro just needed a player in there to take advantage.

It was little surprise to see the Uruguay international come on, and although Bolton did take the lead shortly after, Boro's attacking play had a different dimension.

Ramirez may not have been the star, but he allowed some of his other Boro teammates to shine.

He released the shackles off Jordan Rhodes and co by committing defenders and dropping into space. His contribution to a dramatic late win can't be overlooked.

Streak striker

Jordan Rhodes had chances in the first half to hand Boro the advantage, his best when he peeled off a defender and headed straight at Ben Amos.

That was the warning, and it is fitting that Rhodes was the man who fired Boro to within four games of the Premier League. Many Boro fans will agree that his overall contribution to Boro since his £9m move has been good, but two goals in two months wasn't a great return.

Rhodes got a stroke of luck for his first goal, after his initial header was blocked and then fell perfectly into his path, but that's what happens when you're in the right position.

He has built a career on being in the right place at the right time. He certainly was again for the winner.

History tells you that Rhodes is a streak striker, who can go six without a goal and then fires eight in his next four.

That's an ominous sign for Boro's promotion rivals.

Within touching distance

Brighton may have hit Fulham for five on Friday night, but Boro's ugly win at Bolton had the same reward.

Now with four games to go, Boro are within touching distance of the Premier League.

A mouthwatering promotion showdown with Burnley awaits next - and a win for Karanka's men would be a monumental statement of intent.

It's all to play for - let's enjoy it.