Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could prove to be an outstanding free transfer signing by Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren.
He struck his third goal in four games with a blistering 25-yard match-winning free-kick that crowned Boro's fightback against promoted Crystal Palace.
The Dutchman could become a hero with the Boro fans, as the nine-year love affair with Juninho is over following his move to Celtic.
The win put Boro fourth in the Premiership. In contrast, the Eagles are at the foot of the table.
Crystal Palace fans must have been hoping before the kick-off for their first win of the season.
But the Premiership is a tough division and Palace will have to add to their side if they are to get away from the danger-zone.
Following the midweek against Fulham, Boro entered the match confident of securing their first home win of the season.
Yet in the first half they made heavy weather of putting pressure on the visitors and when they did they were denied on several occasions by some brilliant saves by Julian Speroni.
The Argentine keeper made his first major save of the game with a brilliant stop from a powerful Hasselbaink shot.
Chris Riggott pounced on the rebound but the goalkeeper saved again although there was not that much power in the shot by the defender.
Palace battled hard as Boro struggled for the breakthrough and they should have taken a shock lead before the break through Michael Hughes.
Following a left-wing pass by Joonas Kolkka, he missed a great chance firing past the far post with only Mark Schwarzer to beat.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after 52 minutes when Riggott brought down Andrew Johnson. Boro could have no complaints as Wirral referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot.
Johnson picked himself up off the deck to blast the spot-kick into the net giving Schwarzer no chance.
McClaren sent on substitutes Stewart Downing and Szilard Nemeth and the former, a local homegrown product, had an instant impact.
His free-kick on the right ran across the goalmouth where Tony Popovic had the misfortune to concede an own goal.
There seemed no danger but the free-kick was missed by five players at the near post and Popovic had little time to react as the ball hit him.
Middlesbrough piled on the pressure and former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour had a shot saved by Speroni before a header landed on the roof of the net.
But with just 12 minutes left Hasselbaink crashed in a great free-kick that gave Speroni no chance.
McClaren must be delighted with the early season progress of his side, with the prospect of success in their first venture into Europe.
Palace boss Iain Dowie will gain some plusses from the match particularly as it took Boro a long time to break down a hard-working defence.
However, he will know that more than hard work and commitment is needed in the higher league.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Julian Speroni - Despite Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's super goal, the Palace keeper must take the honours after making a series of brilliant saves.