After the midweek triumph against the visitors in the Carling cup, Blackburn made several changes to the line up, restoring Samba, Gamst, Santa Cruz and Oijer to the starting line up.
Rovers got the game of to a flyer, and should have been in the lead. A cross by Gamst Pedersen was headed down into the path of Steven Warnock. However Stevie could only blast his half-volley wide of the goal. Blackburn continued to pressure the defence. A brace of corners almost found Rovers in the lead, the first a deflected header by Zurab, was scrambled of the line. THe following corner found the head of Roque Santa Cruz, who could only manage the cross bar.
Gamst Pedersen continued his fine start to the game, forcing Sunderland stand in keeper Fulop into a great save after a 25 yard free kick. Rovers almost rued their missed chances, with Djibril Cisse set free by a delightful long ball. With the onrushing Robinson at his feet, Cisse attempted to lob the keeper, however the ball bounced wide of the near post.
Rovers were awarded another free kick in a dangerous position. Keith Andrews stepped up with a low driven strike, forcing Fulop again to pull of a great save. The half started to fizz out, but Rovers did manage to get the deserved lead before the break.
Another superb delivery from a Gamst corner found the 6’5′ head of Samba, who rocketed his header into the back of the net. 1-0 Rovers
No changes were made at the break, but whatever Keane said to his troops, they definately listened. Sunderland almost equalised immediately, Steed Malbranque placed a neat chip onto the head of Kenwyne Jones, whose header struck the cross bar.
Jones would not be denied moments later, after a blunder by Rovers goal keeper, Paul Robinson. Robbo attempted to clear a Sunderland corner, but could only make minimal contact with the ball. Jones, from 6 yards out, struck a neat scissor kick into the top corner of the net. 1-1.
THe error could not have come at a worse time for Robinson, with the England Goal Keeper coach sitting in the stands.
Robinson made amends minutes later. A dangerous Keiron Richardson swerving free kick, leaving Robbo with seconds to react, was parried over the crossbar. Sunderland continued to push on, and it appeared Rovers simply could not match them.
In the 70th minute, Malbranque placed a delightful throughball for Cisse, who out muscled Zurab, and chipped Robinson, dribbling into the back of the net. 2-1 Sunderland.
Blackburn’s chances in the second half were minimal, with the best chance falling to the most unlikely of players in the dying minutes, Aaron Mokoena. After a Villanueva corner, Zurabs header found the outstreched leg of Roque Santa Cruz, who flicked the ball goal wards. Desperate defending prevent Roque finding the net, with the ball bouncing up on the penalty spot. Mokoena unleashed a furios volley, but the Sunderland defence put their bodies on the line. No luck for Rovers
Full Time
Blackburn 1- Sunderland 2
Player Ratings
Paul Robinson 6.5
The best of both worlds from Robbo. A pair of clean saves, a blunder for the first goal, and part blame for the second. Zurab made the vital error, but Robbo did go to the ground much to early.
Zurab 5.5
Poor game from the Monk. Had a delightful game last week, but he was simply outmuscled by Cisse all game. Should of got on the score sheet
Chris Samba 8
Great effort from the big man
Andre Oijer 6
Frustrating game from the Dutch International. Looked out of place, looked confused, didnt seem happy.
Danny Simpson 6.5
A good game from the young kid. Couldnt do anything about the goals, chased down his men, and did push on well
Aaron Mokoena 7
Good game from the axe. Provided nothing in attack, but did fill the hole well
Morten Gamst Pedersen 8
Very good game from Gamst. Every single delivery of his was dangerous, did look a threat. Should not have been substitituted
Keith Andrews 7
Worked hard with little to show for it
Steven Warnock 7
Should of buried a goal early in the game. Chased hard, toiled, but no real impact in attack
Roque Santa Cruz 7.5
Worked hard and linked up well with the wide man. Really should of buried the header
Jason Roberts 6
He frustrated me last night. Went down too softly too many times. His big, he is strong, he is mean, but geez Jason, do you have to go down everytime you get touched, get up shaking your head with a grin, and continue ranting for 10 minutes? Use your strength, use your acceleration….
Derbyshire
No real impact on the game
Carlos Villanueva
Looked dangerous just in behind the striker
Position
Great passing display in the last 10 minutes.
Manager Rating
Poor. Very poor.
Ince is struggling in my eyes, and he is making the wrong decisions. We are loosing 2-1, why take of your most attacking player in the midfield, Gamst. He should of taken the Axe of, who played well, but we needed to push on for a result.
Cant Defend
24 Goals Conceded. Worst in the league.
Cant Score
14 goals scored. 4 at home. Second worst in the league
Position
18th.
Not happy Ince……
