Bournemouth boosted their chances of staying in the Premier League with a crushing 4-0 win over 10-man Middlesbrough that pushed their opponents towards the relegation precipice.

Middlesbrough had a nightmare opening 20 minutes on Saturday in which they conceded two goals and had midfielder Gaston Ramirez sent off for a second booking.

Bournemouth, who ended a run of four league games without a win, were ahead after 96 seconds with Joshua King’s 11th goal in 13 matches and two up when Benik Afobe punished more slack Boro defending from Charlie Daniels’ through ball in the 16th minute.

The visitors, with Ramirez already booked for a dive in the Cherries’ box, had the Uruguan sent off after 20 minutes for a tackle on winger Marc Pugh.

Pugh marked his 250th league game for Bournemouth with their third in the 65th and Daniels added the fourth five minutes later.

Middlesbrough is yet to secure a win in 16 league games.