A look at the vital victory yesterday and an analysis of every player on show.
I know Sasman didn’t get a chance to do his ratings so I am stepping in.
Player Ratings
Robinson – 7
Played 45 minutes before being injured cruelly. Pulled off a couple of good stops which were called offside anyway but looked confident which is never a bad thing.
Ooijer – 6
Steady as she goes. Followed up a good display against Manchester United with a not as good but still highly acceptable showing here. Will never have the pace but uses his head.
Nelsen – 8
A masterful performance. Won everything in the air, commanded the defence well and was as solid as a rock. Sam has obviously got him back doing what he does best and has placed a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.
For people who call me bias – point out one thing he did incorrectly yesterday.
Samba – 7
A decent side show act to Nelsen. Again didn’t back down from everyone and always looked to carry the ball out of defence.
Will have to up his game and keep it around this level though as Givet and Zurab will breathe down his neck for a starting place.
Givet – 7
I wasn’t sure if the Man United performance was a fluke or not so I watched yesterday and got my answer – it wasn’t.
A classy display from left back with plenty of support play to back up Pedersen.
Always timed his challenges well and offered width at left back.
A great signing from Sam this one.
Diouf – 7
Another one to be marked in the file ‘good piece of business by Allardyce’.
His end product was a little lacking yesterday but his trickery and his pace caused Hull problems. He still goes to ground very easily but he knows what he is doing and showed yesterday that he is certainly a wiley operator.
Andrews – 6
A solid, no nonsense performance from Mr.Steady. Did very little wrong a ticked things over with the short passes. Will be happy with his goal and as well he should be.
People will still get on his back for his lack of ‘flash’ but every team has one of these players and Keith is ours.
Warnock – 9
See above. Best performance in a Rovers shirt this season. Very well done sir.
Gamst Pedersen – 5
Was putting in a workman-like game until a simply stupid sending off. Got booked for his initial challenge on Marney that led to his sending off and then for a blatant foul 5 minutes later.
It was a rare lapse in temper from a usually timid man but it was silly none the less.
His display before that was looking ok and he was certainly putting in the miles.
Let us down in the end now and will give Villanueva/Treacy a shot at his spot whilst he is suspended.
Santa Cruz – 8
Since January has made himself an absolute must in the 4-5-1/lone striker role that Sam loves to play away from home.
He was a massive focal point against Hull and was nodding down everything and his hold up play was top notch.
He may not want to be here in the long run but you can’t doubt his effectiveness. Unlucky not to score.
Grella – 6
Steady as she goes. Tough tackling again which typifies his displays and didn’t back down from anyone.
Is still a little guilty of hoffing the ball up but he is looking like a £4 million player. A force on which future Rovers midfields can be built.
Brown – 7
Sharp reaction save at the death and did very well in replacing Robinson. He doesn’t often get on but when he does he doesn’t put a hand or a foot wrong.
Stood no chance with the goal and claim crosses arguably better than Robinson does.
Roberts – 5
No real time to make impact.
See Roberts, Jason.
Manager Rating
8. Got it dead on with his tactics.
It took us a while to get going but he set the team up for a clean sheet and we nearly got one.
He let the flair players, i.e. Diouf, Santa Cruz, Warnock have a bit of freedom and made them work for him.
Well done Sam. We came for 3 points and we got them.
