Keane Double Beats Rovers

Blackburn Rovers lost ground on Tottenham in their search for Champions League football next season with a unfortunate defeat at White Hart Lane. It was Rovers third away defeat in a row and one which looks likely to consign them to scrapping it out for the remaining spots in the UEFA Cup.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol admitted his side was lucky to get all three points in a game which Rovers dominated.

Their first goal had an air of good fortune about it. Mido appeared to have knocked ball out for a Rovers thrown-in, near the corner flag. However, the linesman gave the decision Tottenham’s way and the Egyptian striker threw the ball to Keane. Down on the right hand side of the pitch he knocked the ball over Robbie Savage and side stepped Andy Todd before drilling a half volley past Friedel.

Having fallen behind after only seven minutes, Blackburn showed a battling spirit which had been lacking in recent away defeats to Everton and West Brom. They dominated possession but with Tottenham defending in numbers they struggled to create any clear opportunities.

Ryan Nelson then gave Spurs another opportunity to take the lead when he handled the ball just outside the area. Mido hit a shot which Friedel parried to Keane. The Irish striker admitted after the game that he had used his arm to control the ball before smashing it into the net but the goal stood.

However, Blackburn were back in the game moments later when Bellamy ran down the wing and sent in an inviting cross for Pongolle to convert with a diving header.

After the interval Blackburn continued to have the better of proceedings and Paul Robinson showed great agility to turn over David Bentley’s rising shot.

Blackburn finally drew level when Pongolle returned the favour and crossed for Bellamy who placed a left foot shot past Paul Robinson.

However a lack of concentration then put Spurs back in front as Aaron Lennon was allowed to cross for Mido, who touched the ball into an empty net.

It was a blow for Blackburn who worked hard to get back into the game. Rovers may cite the injustices of the handball which led to Keane’s second as a reason for defeat but it’s less than two months since they profited from three points at Newcastle in a similar fashion.