JULIO ARCA saved Middlesbrough from the grisly prospect of spending Christmas Day in the Premiership drop zone as his second-half strike sunk Charlton at the Riverside Stadium.

The Argentinian drilled a powerful left-foot effort past Addicks keeper Scott Carson in the 52nd minute to put the seal on a workmanlike performance from Gareth Southgate's men. But there was no such festive cheer for beleaguered Charlton boss Les Reed, who saw his side cast further adrift after another unnecessarily negative display.

From the moment Yakubu evaded two challenges in the box to prod Boro into a 29th minute lead, a win for the home side was scarcely in doubt with the visitors showing little inclination to attack.

However, they might have made it a few anxious final minutes for the home side when Hughes hooked the ball goalwards only to see Pogatetz clear it off the line.