Uncategorized

WBA 2 Blackburn 1

|
Image for WBA 2 Blackburn 1

Blackburn Rovers managed to somehow cement them selves in the drop zone, an abysmal performance against a desperate and hungry West Bromwich Albion ensured the away outfit would walk away 2-1 victors at Ewood Park.

Blackburn Rovers welcomed Steve Nzonzi back into the starting line up following his 3 game suspension, whilst Morten Gamst Pedersen was forced into an unfamiliar position of left back due to injures to Gael Givet and Martin Olsson

Paul Robinson

owe, Samba, Dann, Gamst

ochina, Nzonzi, Dunn, Vukcevic

ormica

akubu

It was optimistic signs early for the travelling team as Odemwingie provided to be a mobile outlet up front. Moving around well up front, he managed to link with Scharner and Morrison plenty of times, finding himself in behind the Rovers line out wide, however the final product was just not there. Rovers on the other hand, looked like a team struggling, on and off the field. Tension could be felt in the crowd since protesters called a holt for these two vital clashes against teams around us. However the following performance earned a protest in it self.

West Bromwich Albion continued to pressure but striker Odemwingie missed the opportunity of the half. Neat play down the left flank saw Chris Brunt fire in a cross into the 6 yard box. The approaching Odemwingie only managed to glance it wide with the goal at his begging, a sigh of relief for Steve Kean. Blackburn’s first real opportunity came through a free kick, Gamst Pedersen’s vicious attempt from 25 yards parried over by Foster.

A real dour first half 0-0

West Brom attacked from the outset, taking the initiative, then taking the lead. Chris Brunt tried his luck from distance, the ball bobbling up in front of Robinson who parried clear. Moments later, the scorers were trouble. A corner was half cleared by Rovers and into the path of Morrison. A Tugayesque volley found it self soar into the left corner of the net, leaving Paul Robinson stranded and giving WBA a 1-0 away lead.

Jason Roberts and Grant Hanley were brought on in an attacking move which saw 2 target men deployed up front. This created a bit of momentum for Rovers, as the two could hold the ball up between each other, rather than Yakubu being the sole outlet.

Scott Dann almost sent the ball into his own net from half way after a desperate intervention, but he did trouble the scorers only moments later. Paul Robinson sent the free kick in, Samba lept highest, flicking the ball onto the path of Dann who stabbed it past the stretching Foster to restore parity.

1-1

Both teams needed the win, and both played out for it with end to end action. Odemwingie continued to pester the Rovers defence, whilst the frustrating Ruben Rochina just could not pick his moments, failing to either distribute or take a shot in vital positions.

Odemwingie finally took his chance and sent the Rovers fans into full voice as they voiced their anger. After dancing past Pedersen and Goodwillie, Odemwingie unleashed a venomous shot from the 18 yard box and into the bottom corner of the net, once again leaving Robinson stranded.

2-1 WBA

A late flurry by Blackburn failed to create an opportunity, another home loss and a vocal Rovers outfit defying initial calls for no protests as hundreds stayed back and marched onto Ewood Headquarters….

Player Ratings

Robinson 6
Couple of fantastic saves and great distribution of the ball. Would be disappointed at conceding again!

Jason Lowe 5
Gave Brunt and Scharner too much time down the flank, found out of position a few times, possibly due to Rochina not tracking back

Chris Samba 6
Solid performance from the big man

Scott Dann 7
MOTM

Gamst Pedersen 5
Out of position, a few errors and poor passing in attack…what is happening to MGP

Ruben Rochina 3
Wasteful, wasteful, wasteful. Tried too much when an easier option was always available, very frustrating to watch

David Dunn 6
Fighting for the cause, but doing it on his own

Steve Nzonzi 5
Off the pace today. Did not provide his normal physical presence in midfield

Simon Vukcevic 6
Needs more ball. Looks dangerous on it but not provided much opportunity

Mauro Formica 5
Did not inject himself into the game like previous weeks

Yakubu 5
Looked fatigued, at half-time. Maybe not use to the run of games, but had a few half chances which he should of used

Share this article

The Man for All Jobs

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *