Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Blackburn Rovers. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Blackburn Rovers. Mostrar todas las entradas
domingo, 27 de enero de 2013
miércoles, 31 de octubre de 2012
Maradona podría dirigir el Blackburn Rovers
El inglés Harry Redknapp y el argentino Diego Maradona son, según la prensa inglesa, los dos favoritos para convertirse en el nuevo entrenador del Blackburn Rovers, club de la segunda división que busca sucesor a Steve Kean, que abandonó ese puesto hace un mes.
El nombre de Redknapp, de 65 años y exentrenador del Tottenham, es el que más cita la prensa inglesa, pero también se especula con la llegada de Maradona, de 52 años.
"He visto en los diarios de hoy (martes) que debía supuestamente encontrarme hoy con los dirigentes del Blackburn. Es totalmente falso. Es un buen club y un buen puesto con una buena plantilla y un buen apoyo popular, pero no es para mí", declaró posteriormente el técnico inglés.
"Pero me empiezo a aburrir. Solo puedo jugar al gol de vez en cuando y no mejoro mi nivel. Quiero volver al fútbol y voy a esperar a ver lo que pasa", admitió Redknapp a la televisión Sky Sports.
Maradona, el mítico '10' de Argentina se encuentra desempleado desde su marcha del Al Wasl de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos.
Maradona sería la primera opción de Shebby Singh, a cargo de los fichajes en el Blackburn, pero el director deportivo del club, Derek Shaw, preferiría a Redknapp.
El nuevo entrenador del Blackburn debería anunciarse esta misma semana.
El nombre de Redknapp, de 65 años y exentrenador del Tottenham, es el que más cita la prensa inglesa, pero también se especula con la llegada de Maradona, de 52 años.
"He visto en los diarios de hoy (martes) que debía supuestamente encontrarme hoy con los dirigentes del Blackburn. Es totalmente falso. Es un buen club y un buen puesto con una buena plantilla y un buen apoyo popular, pero no es para mí", declaró posteriormente el técnico inglés.
"Pero me empiezo a aburrir. Solo puedo jugar al gol de vez en cuando y no mejoro mi nivel. Quiero volver al fútbol y voy a esperar a ver lo que pasa", admitió Redknapp a la televisión Sky Sports.
Maradona, el mítico '10' de Argentina se encuentra desempleado desde su marcha del Al Wasl de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos.
Maradona sería la primera opción de Shebby Singh, a cargo de los fichajes en el Blackburn, pero el director deportivo del club, Derek Shaw, preferiría a Redknapp.
El nuevo entrenador del Blackburn debería anunciarse esta misma semana.
domingo, 13 de mayo de 2012
Video Chelsea 2 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
ohn Terry was on the scoresheet as a second string Chelsea side beat Blackburn on the final day of the Premier League season.
Raul Meireles added a second for Roberto Di Matteo's side before Yakubu pulled a goal back for already-relegated Blackburn in their final Premiership display.
Chelsea went into the tie hoping to end their worst top-fight campaign in 10 years on a high and came up against a Rovers side who have not beaten them in 11 outings.
Steve Kean's side traveled to Stamford Bridge on the back of five straight defeats and the warning signs were there early on when the impressive Romelu Lukaku almost turned in Florent Malouda's cross from close range.
But the visitors had the better of the early opportunities when Jason Lowe's long range strike clipped the top of the crossbar with Ross Turnbull well beaten.
Lukaku, who made his first ever Premier League start, came close to marking the occasion with a goal again after 20 minutes. He got a toe on Daniel Sturridge's low cross but young Rovers goalkeeper Jake Kean denied the Belgian forward from point blank range.
The hosts eventually got their breakthrough after the half hour mark and Lukaku played a vital part, crossing for Terry who sent a thumping header across the face of goal and into the top corner.
Chelsea doubled their lead instantly when Raul Meireles drilled a low shot into the bottom corner after Michael Essien appeared to be fouled inside the box.
Sturridge tried to get his name on the scoresheet when he bent a shot over from 20-yards while Josh Morris wasted a chance for the visitors at the other end, firing his effort straight at the keeper from the edge of the box.
Yakubu halved the deficit for Blackburn when he steered in Scott Dann's header from close range but the Lancashire side could not build on the goal and snatch a point in West London.
The Blues came closest to grabbing the third goal and Sturridge should have done better with his stoppage time opportunity, somehow managing to head the ball wide from inside the six-yard box.
Didier Drogba received a warm welcome from the home fans as he made what could be his final Chelsea appearance at Stamford Bridge but he could not repay the fans with a goal, despite trying to beat Kean with several late opportunities.
Chelsea finish the Premier League season in sixth-place, an outcome already determined before kick-off, rounding off their worst season since 2001-02, although caretaker manager Di Matteo has managed to lead them to an FA Cup win and a Champions League final next weekend.
Speculation will continue to surround the future of Rovers boss Kean as Blackburn prepare for next season's Championship campaign and bid to gain promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.
Raul Meireles added a second for Roberto Di Matteo's side before Yakubu pulled a goal back for already-relegated Blackburn in their final Premiership display.
Chelsea went into the tie hoping to end their worst top-fight campaign in 10 years on a high and came up against a Rovers side who have not beaten them in 11 outings.
Steve Kean's side traveled to Stamford Bridge on the back of five straight defeats and the warning signs were there early on when the impressive Romelu Lukaku almost turned in Florent Malouda's cross from close range.
But the visitors had the better of the early opportunities when Jason Lowe's long range strike clipped the top of the crossbar with Ross Turnbull well beaten.
Lukaku, who made his first ever Premier League start, came close to marking the occasion with a goal again after 20 minutes. He got a toe on Daniel Sturridge's low cross but young Rovers goalkeeper Jake Kean denied the Belgian forward from point blank range.
The hosts eventually got their breakthrough after the half hour mark and Lukaku played a vital part, crossing for Terry who sent a thumping header across the face of goal and into the top corner.
Chelsea doubled their lead instantly when Raul Meireles drilled a low shot into the bottom corner after Michael Essien appeared to be fouled inside the box.
Sturridge tried to get his name on the scoresheet when he bent a shot over from 20-yards while Josh Morris wasted a chance for the visitors at the other end, firing his effort straight at the keeper from the edge of the box.
Yakubu halved the deficit for Blackburn when he steered in Scott Dann's header from close range but the Lancashire side could not build on the goal and snatch a point in West London.
The Blues came closest to grabbing the third goal and Sturridge should have done better with his stoppage time opportunity, somehow managing to head the ball wide from inside the six-yard box.
Didier Drogba received a warm welcome from the home fans as he made what could be his final Chelsea appearance at Stamford Bridge but he could not repay the fans with a goal, despite trying to beat Kean with several late opportunities.
Chelsea finish the Premier League season in sixth-place, an outcome already determined before kick-off, rounding off their worst season since 2001-02, although caretaker manager Di Matteo has managed to lead them to an FA Cup win and a Champions League final next weekend.
Speculation will continue to surround the future of Rovers boss Kean as Blackburn prepare for next season's Championship campaign and bid to gain promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.
lunes, 7 de mayo de 2012
Blackburn Rovers 0 - 1 Wigan Athletic
Blackburn Rovers no pudo hacer valer su condición de local y sentenció su descenso a la segunda división de Inglaterra, al perder 0-1 frente a Wigan Athletic en Ewood Park.
En lo que fue el último partido de la fecha 37, penúltima, de la Premier League, el paraguayo Antolín Alcaraz fue el héroe de su equipo al marcar a los 87 minutos y, de paso, se convirtió en verdugo de los Rovers.
Con la victoria, Wigan llegó a 40 puntos, escaló al décimo quinto puesto y aseguró su permanencia, en tanto Blackburn se quedó con 31 unidades en el penúltimo sitio de la tabla, por lo que junto a Wolverhampton (25 pts), jugarán la próxima campaña en la Championship.
Los anfitriones parecieron no ser conscientes de lo que estaba en juego, ya que no dieron muestras de querer quedarse en el máximo circuito del balompié inglés y en la primera mitad se vieron superados por el rival.
Estuvieron desordenados y no generaron peligro, lo mismo que los "latics" que, al menos, mostraron una mejor comunicación entre sus jugadores.
Debido a esto, fue en el minuto 87 que apareció el zaguero paraguayo Alcaraz en el centro del área y con la cabeza mandó "guardar" el balón, para garantizarle a los suyos la permanencia.
Así, los pupilos de Steve Kean dejan la Liga Premier tras 11 años consecutivos de desempeñarse en el máximo circuito del balompié inglés.
En la última jornada del campeonato se definirá al tercer club que descienda, disputa que está entre Bolton Wanderers, que con 35 puntos visitará a Stoke City, y Queens Park Rangers (37), que viajará a Manchester para enfrentar al City, que se proclamaría campeón con un triunfo.
En lo que fue el último partido de la fecha 37, penúltima, de la Premier League, el paraguayo Antolín Alcaraz fue el héroe de su equipo al marcar a los 87 minutos y, de paso, se convirtió en verdugo de los Rovers.
Con la victoria, Wigan llegó a 40 puntos, escaló al décimo quinto puesto y aseguró su permanencia, en tanto Blackburn se quedó con 31 unidades en el penúltimo sitio de la tabla, por lo que junto a Wolverhampton (25 pts), jugarán la próxima campaña en la Championship.
Los anfitriones parecieron no ser conscientes de lo que estaba en juego, ya que no dieron muestras de querer quedarse en el máximo circuito del balompié inglés y en la primera mitad se vieron superados por el rival.
Estuvieron desordenados y no generaron peligro, lo mismo que los "latics" que, al menos, mostraron una mejor comunicación entre sus jugadores.
Debido a esto, fue en el minuto 87 que apareció el zaguero paraguayo Alcaraz en el centro del área y con la cabeza mandó "guardar" el balón, para garantizarle a los suyos la permanencia.
Así, los pupilos de Steve Kean dejan la Liga Premier tras 11 años consecutivos de desempeñarse en el máximo circuito del balompié inglés.
En la última jornada del campeonato se definirá al tercer club que descienda, disputa que está entre Bolton Wanderers, que con 35 puntos visitará a Stoke City, y Queens Park Rangers (37), que viajará a Manchester para enfrentar al City, que se proclamaría campeón con un triunfo.
domingo, 29 de abril de 2012
Video Tottenham 2 - 0 Blackburn Rovers
El Tottenham rentabilizó el tropiezo el sábado del Newcastle y con su triunfo ante el Blackburn (2-0) asaltó el cuarto puesto de la Premier por el que suspira el Chelsea, que goleó al Queens Park Rangers (6-1).
El holandés Rafael Van der Vaart y, en la segunda parte, Kyle Walker, sellaron la victoria del cuadro de Harry Redknapp, que iguala a puntos con el Newcastle, goleado por el Wigan, pero al que rebasa por la diferencia de goles.
Un punto por debajo de ambos ha quedado el Chelsea, que también aspira al cuarto lugar, que da acceso a la Liga de Campeones el próximo año, después de golear al Queen''s Park Rangers con Fernando Torres estelar.
El madrileño, beneficiado por la clarividencia de Juan Mata, marcó tres de los seis goles. Los otros fueron obra de Daniel Sturridge, John Terry y el francés Florient Malouda.
Las derrotas complican el panorama del Blackburn y el Queen''s Park Rangers, ambos amenazados por el descenso. El Blackburn es penúltimo, a tres puntos del Queen''s Park Rangers, que también puso en peligro su permanencia.
El holandés Rafael Van der Vaart y, en la segunda parte, Kyle Walker, sellaron la victoria del cuadro de Harry Redknapp, que iguala a puntos con el Newcastle, goleado por el Wigan, pero al que rebasa por la diferencia de goles.
Un punto por debajo de ambos ha quedado el Chelsea, que también aspira al cuarto lugar, que da acceso a la Liga de Campeones el próximo año, después de golear al Queen''s Park Rangers con Fernando Torres estelar.
El madrileño, beneficiado por la clarividencia de Juan Mata, marcó tres de los seis goles. Los otros fueron obra de Daniel Sturridge, John Terry y el francés Florient Malouda.
Las derrotas complican el panorama del Blackburn y el Queen''s Park Rangers, ambos amenazados por el descenso. El Blackburn es penúltimo, a tres puntos del Queen''s Park Rangers, que también puso en peligro su permanencia.
sábado, 21 de abril de 2012
Blackburn Rovers 2 - 0 Norwich City
Mauro Formica hizo el primero en el 2-0 del Blackburn frente al Norwich City. El equipo del rosarino pelea por salir de la zona de descenso.
No es fácil la tarea para el Blackburn Rovers. El objetivo es salvarse del descenso pero sigue entre los tres que bajan de la Premier League. Quizás el gol de Mauro Formica para abrir la cuenta en el 2-0 ante el Norwich City sirva para que lo logren. Por ahora caen porque suman apenas 31 puntos en la temporada, delante del Bolton (30) y también del Wolverhampton (23), los dos que aparecen en el fondo de la tabla.
A los 40 minutos del primer tiempo, Pedersen tiró un lindo centro y Formica apareció solito del otro lado, para tocarla delante del arquero. Fue el cuarto gol del ex volante de Newell's en la Premier. Hoilett puso el 2-0 a los cuatro del segundo tiempo para terminar de inclinar la balanza ante un rival que aparece 12° en las posiciones.
No es fácil la tarea para el Blackburn Rovers. El objetivo es salvarse del descenso pero sigue entre los tres que bajan de la Premier League. Quizás el gol de Mauro Formica para abrir la cuenta en el 2-0 ante el Norwich City sirva para que lo logren. Por ahora caen porque suman apenas 31 puntos en la temporada, delante del Bolton (30) y también del Wolverhampton (23), los dos que aparecen en el fondo de la tabla.
A los 40 minutos del primer tiempo, Pedersen tiró un lindo centro y Formica apareció solito del otro lado, para tocarla delante del arquero. Fue el cuarto gol del ex volante de Newell's en la Premier. Hoilett puso el 2-0 a los cuatro del segundo tiempo para terminar de inclinar la balanza ante un rival que aparece 12° en las posiciones.
sábado, 14 de abril de 2012
Swansea City 3 - 0 Blackburn Rovers
Swansea City overcame struggling Blackburn Rovers with relative ease at the Liberty Stadium today, banging in 3 goals without reply. With 4 games left for them to rescue themselves, things look bleak for Rovers now. And it can be safely said that Swansea will be playing Premier League football next season.
Date: 14 April 2012
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Wales
Scorers: Sigurdsson (37'), Dyer (43'), Scott Dann (og 63')
Yellow Cards: Hoilett (33'), Formica (90')
Teams
Swansea City: Vorm, WIlliams, Caulker, Taylor, Rangel (Garry Monk, 89'), Allen, Britton (Mark Gower, 70'), Graham (Leroy Lita, 85'), Sigurdsson, Sinclair, Dyer
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Hanley (Formica, 45'), Dann, Lowe, Orr, Dunn, Pedersen, Nzonzi, Olsson, Hoilett (Modeste, 56'), Yakubu (Goodwillie, 61')
In putting daylight between themselves and those stuck in the relegation mire, Swansea condemned Steve Kean's beleagured team to a fifth consecutive league defeat. That means Rovers stay 19th in the table, and are in real danger of going down unless they take more points than their opponents in each of the 4 games left for them. On the evidence of today's abject performance, that would seem as unlikely as Andy Carrol winning the golden boot this season.
After a few underwhelming performances of late, Swansea finally gave Brendan Rodgers some reason to smile as they dismantled a Rovers side that is sent out to the field more in hope than anticipation by the much maligned Kean. Rovers welcomed back Pedersen into their side, but Martin Olsson could only start from the bench. As expected, Nathan Dyer started in place of Routledge for the Swans, and it proved to be an inspired change as Dyer was at the centre of most of his team's moves.
After Yakubu had an early penalty appeal waved off by the referee, Swansea slowly increased the intensity of their attacks and started dominating. They had a penalty claim of their own that the ref refused to pay the slightest heed to- but Gylfi Sigurdsson, the man who along with Papiss Demba Cisse is the signing of the winter transfer window, got them the lead in the 37th minute with a left-footed finish that was as classy as it was expected. He had Joe Allen to thank for the assist. A few chances went begging thereafter, but the lead was doubled in the 43rd minute when Dyer scored after some good work from Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham. Blackburn only had themselves to blame as they repeatedly struggled to clear the ball from inside the box.
Swansea's relentless passing game continued in the second half, as the Blackburn players seemed to bide their team before losing it and putting the ball in the back of their own net in the 63rd minute. That came from Scott Dann, who was proven woefully inept at keeping Sigurdsson and Sinclair at bay. There was a brief period where Rovers pressed hard for a goal, during which David Dunn headed just over from close range and then hit the post, but Swansea defenders kept their cool and gave their team the clean sheet they had been craving for.
Date: 14 April 2012
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Wales
Scorers: Sigurdsson (37'), Dyer (43'), Scott Dann (og 63')
Yellow Cards: Hoilett (33'), Formica (90')
Teams
Swansea City: Vorm, WIlliams, Caulker, Taylor, Rangel (Garry Monk, 89'), Allen, Britton (Mark Gower, 70'), Graham (Leroy Lita, 85'), Sigurdsson, Sinclair, Dyer
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Hanley (Formica, 45'), Dann, Lowe, Orr, Dunn, Pedersen, Nzonzi, Olsson, Hoilett (Modeste, 56'), Yakubu (Goodwillie, 61')
In putting daylight between themselves and those stuck in the relegation mire, Swansea condemned Steve Kean's beleagured team to a fifth consecutive league defeat. That means Rovers stay 19th in the table, and are in real danger of going down unless they take more points than their opponents in each of the 4 games left for them. On the evidence of today's abject performance, that would seem as unlikely as Andy Carrol winning the golden boot this season.
After a few underwhelming performances of late, Swansea finally gave Brendan Rodgers some reason to smile as they dismantled a Rovers side that is sent out to the field more in hope than anticipation by the much maligned Kean. Rovers welcomed back Pedersen into their side, but Martin Olsson could only start from the bench. As expected, Nathan Dyer started in place of Routledge for the Swans, and it proved to be an inspired change as Dyer was at the centre of most of his team's moves.
After Yakubu had an early penalty appeal waved off by the referee, Swansea slowly increased the intensity of their attacks and started dominating. They had a penalty claim of their own that the ref refused to pay the slightest heed to- but Gylfi Sigurdsson, the man who along with Papiss Demba Cisse is the signing of the winter transfer window, got them the lead in the 37th minute with a left-footed finish that was as classy as it was expected. He had Joe Allen to thank for the assist. A few chances went begging thereafter, but the lead was doubled in the 43rd minute when Dyer scored after some good work from Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham. Blackburn only had themselves to blame as they repeatedly struggled to clear the ball from inside the box.
Swansea's relentless passing game continued in the second half, as the Blackburn players seemed to bide their team before losing it and putting the ball in the back of their own net in the 63rd minute. That came from Scott Dann, who was proven woefully inept at keeping Sigurdsson and Sinclair at bay. There was a brief period where Rovers pressed hard for a goal, during which David Dunn headed just over from close range and then hit the post, but Swansea defenders kept their cool and gave their team the clean sheet they had been craving for.
martes, 10 de abril de 2012
Blackburn Rovers 2 - 3 Liverpool
Andy Carroll scored a late winner as Liverpool defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Ewood Park.
It was the home side who made a fast start to proceedings with Junior Hoilett justifying his recent praise.
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages of the match, however, at a subdued Ewood Park.
Liverpool took the lead, however, after 13 minutes when Craig Bellamy squared for Maxi Rodriguez, who tucked the ball home from close range.
It was two moments later when Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson denied Jonjo Shelvey from close range, only for Maxi to pass the rebound into the back of the net.
Liverpool were reduced to 10 men after 25 minutes, however, when Liverpool stopper Doni felled Hoilett in the area, only for Rovers' top scorer Yakubu to step up and send the penalty straight at substitute goalkeeper Brad Jones.
Blackburn continued to push for a goal in the latter stages of the half, and Yakubu made amends for his penalty miss when he headed a David Dunn cross into the net after 36 minutes.
Grant Hanley might have levelled with five minutes of the half remaining, but it remained 2-1 at the break.
Carroll so nearly added Liverpool's third moments into the second period, but he headed wide from close range.
Bellamy might have fed Carroll after 52 minutes, but he lost possession in a good spell for the away side.
Blackburn's first real chance of the second period came just before the hour mark when Hanley tested Jones with a header.
Blackburn were awarded another penalty after 61 minutes, however, when Jones felled Yakubu in the area, and the Nigerian stepped up to level the match at 2-2.
It was Liverpool who looked the most likely with 20 minutes remaining, but Blackburn were always a threat on the break and Hoilett so nearly added their third after 73 minutes.
Hanley again headed wide for the home side after 78 minutes, with both sides looking for the winner in the latter stages.
The winner came in stoppage time courtesy of Carroll who headed home to secure all three points for Liverpool.
The result leaves Liverpool in eighth in the Premier League, while Blackburn remain in the bottom three.
It was the home side who made a fast start to proceedings with Junior Hoilett justifying his recent praise.
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages of the match, however, at a subdued Ewood Park.
Liverpool took the lead, however, after 13 minutes when Craig Bellamy squared for Maxi Rodriguez, who tucked the ball home from close range.
It was two moments later when Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson denied Jonjo Shelvey from close range, only for Maxi to pass the rebound into the back of the net.
Liverpool were reduced to 10 men after 25 minutes, however, when Liverpool stopper Doni felled Hoilett in the area, only for Rovers' top scorer Yakubu to step up and send the penalty straight at substitute goalkeeper Brad Jones.
Blackburn continued to push for a goal in the latter stages of the half, and Yakubu made amends for his penalty miss when he headed a David Dunn cross into the net after 36 minutes.
Grant Hanley might have levelled with five minutes of the half remaining, but it remained 2-1 at the break.
Carroll so nearly added Liverpool's third moments into the second period, but he headed wide from close range.
Bellamy might have fed Carroll after 52 minutes, but he lost possession in a good spell for the away side.
Blackburn's first real chance of the second period came just before the hour mark when Hanley tested Jones with a header.
Blackburn were awarded another penalty after 61 minutes, however, when Jones felled Yakubu in the area, and the Nigerian stepped up to level the match at 2-2.
It was Liverpool who looked the most likely with 20 minutes remaining, but Blackburn were always a threat on the break and Hoilett so nearly added their third after 73 minutes.
Hanley again headed wide for the home side after 78 minutes, with both sides looking for the winner in the latter stages.
The winner came in stoppage time courtesy of Carroll who headed home to secure all three points for Liverpool.
The result leaves Liverpool in eighth in the Premier League, while Blackburn remain in the bottom three.
sábado, 7 de abril de 2012
West Brom 3 - 0 Blackburn
West Brom banished fears of relegation from the Barclays Premier League and pushed Blackburn closer to the drop as Martin Olsson's own goal and second-half efforts from Marc-Antoine Fortune and Liam Ridgewell earned the Baggies three points in a 3-0 win at the Hawthorns.
Olsson sliced his clearance past Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson for the opener after seven minutes before Fortune and Ridgewell wrapped up the points for Roy Hodgson's side.
Rovers substitute Anthony Modeste was sent off for violent conduct in injury time after clashing with Albion defender Billy Jones.
It was West Brom's first win in five league games and took them to the 39-point mark, while for Rovers a third successive defeat means they remain in the bottom three.
The visitors enjoyed large spells of possession with Junior Hoilett impressing and causing problems.
But Blackburn found on-loan Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster in inspired form and he produced several fine saves.
Fortune again led the Albion attack in fine style with his power and pace and deserved his fifth goal of the campaign, while Youssouf Mulumbu anchored the midfield.
Albion were the first to threaten and Jonas Olsson's header flew past the post from a Chris Brunt corner.
The home side applied the majority of the early pressure and Gareth McAuley had a shot blocked on the edge of the box.
West Brom forced four corners in the first seven minutes - and from the last of them they took the lead. McAuley headed Brunt's ball into the box back across goal and Rovers defender Martin Olsson only succeeded in slicing the ball past Robinson into his own net.
Rovers started to get a foothold in the game and leading scorer Ayegbeni Yakubu almost played in David Dunn with a reverse pass but Graham Dorrans was alert to the danger and tidied up.
Martin Olsson tried to make amends for his error with an inviting cross for Bradley Orr to run onto, but he could not keep his far-post header down.
Scott Dann powered a header straight at former Birmingham team-mate Foster from Orr's cross from the right flank, before Hoilett curled an effort wide from 20 yards out and Foster clung onto Dunn's low attempt.
The hard-working Fortune teed up Mulumbu, but his shot lacked power and Robinson saved comfortably.
Blackburn began the second half on the offensive and Morten Gamst Pedersen made clean contact on a Jason Lowe centre but his header flew straight at Foster.
Dann became the first player to be booked after 51 minutes for holding back Peter Odemwingie.
Mulumbu's misdirected pass almost presented Yakubu with an equaliser but Foster reacted quickly and raced out of his area to hack the ball clear.
The former England goalkeeper then produced a superb double save to keep his side in front, first getting down to his right to deny Yakubu and then reacting quickly to block the follow-up effort from Orr.
Rovers were now in the ascendancy and Yakubu was only just too high with a powerful drive while Foster held onto a long-range attempt by the impressive Hoilett.
But against the run of play Fortune doubled Albion's lead after 68 minutes.
Brunt dispossessed Yakubu and picked out Fortune with a low cross. He had time to steady himself before driving the ball past Robinson.
Rovers were almost caught on the counter-attack but Mulumbu failed to pick out the unmarked Fortune when Albion had a two-to-one numerical advantage.
Hoilett continued to probe for Rovers but Foster held onto his curling attempt, and with five minutes left Albion added a third as Ridgewell scored his first for the club when he headed home an inswinging Dorrans free-kick. Modeste's act of frustration in the final seconds capped a miserable day for Steve Kean's side.
Olsson sliced his clearance past Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson for the opener after seven minutes before Fortune and Ridgewell wrapped up the points for Roy Hodgson's side.
Rovers substitute Anthony Modeste was sent off for violent conduct in injury time after clashing with Albion defender Billy Jones.
It was West Brom's first win in five league games and took them to the 39-point mark, while for Rovers a third successive defeat means they remain in the bottom three.
The visitors enjoyed large spells of possession with Junior Hoilett impressing and causing problems.
But Blackburn found on-loan Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster in inspired form and he produced several fine saves.
Fortune again led the Albion attack in fine style with his power and pace and deserved his fifth goal of the campaign, while Youssouf Mulumbu anchored the midfield.
Albion were the first to threaten and Jonas Olsson's header flew past the post from a Chris Brunt corner.
The home side applied the majority of the early pressure and Gareth McAuley had a shot blocked on the edge of the box.
West Brom forced four corners in the first seven minutes - and from the last of them they took the lead. McAuley headed Brunt's ball into the box back across goal and Rovers defender Martin Olsson only succeeded in slicing the ball past Robinson into his own net.
Rovers started to get a foothold in the game and leading scorer Ayegbeni Yakubu almost played in David Dunn with a reverse pass but Graham Dorrans was alert to the danger and tidied up.
Martin Olsson tried to make amends for his error with an inviting cross for Bradley Orr to run onto, but he could not keep his far-post header down.
Scott Dann powered a header straight at former Birmingham team-mate Foster from Orr's cross from the right flank, before Hoilett curled an effort wide from 20 yards out and Foster clung onto Dunn's low attempt.
The hard-working Fortune teed up Mulumbu, but his shot lacked power and Robinson saved comfortably.
Blackburn began the second half on the offensive and Morten Gamst Pedersen made clean contact on a Jason Lowe centre but his header flew straight at Foster.
Dann became the first player to be booked after 51 minutes for holding back Peter Odemwingie.
Mulumbu's misdirected pass almost presented Yakubu with an equaliser but Foster reacted quickly and raced out of his area to hack the ball clear.
The former England goalkeeper then produced a superb double save to keep his side in front, first getting down to his right to deny Yakubu and then reacting quickly to block the follow-up effort from Orr.
Rovers were now in the ascendancy and Yakubu was only just too high with a powerful drive while Foster held onto a long-range attempt by the impressive Hoilett.
But against the run of play Fortune doubled Albion's lead after 68 minutes.
Brunt dispossessed Yakubu and picked out Fortune with a low cross. He had time to steady himself before driving the ball past Robinson.
Rovers were almost caught on the counter-attack but Mulumbu failed to pick out the unmarked Fortune when Albion had a two-to-one numerical advantage.
Hoilett continued to probe for Rovers but Foster held onto his curling attempt, and with five minutes left Albion added a third as Ridgewell scored his first for the club when he headed home an inswinging Dorrans free-kick. Modeste's act of frustration in the final seconds capped a miserable day for Steve Kean's side.
lunes, 2 de abril de 2012
Video Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Man United
Un gol del ecuatoriano Luis Antonio Valencia a menos de diez minutos para el final abrió el camino del triunfo por 0-2 del Manchester United en su visita al Blackburn Rovers, en el último partido de la trigésima primera jornada de la Premier inglesa de fútbol.
Valencia, autor de su cuarto gol liguero, rompió la defensa del Blackburn y con un potente disparo en el minuto 81 fue clave en el triunfo de su equipo en Ewood Park.
Cinco minutos más tarde Ashley Young rubricó un triunfo que deja al líder de la Premier con 76 puntos, cinco más que su gran rival ciudadano, el Manchester City, que el sábado empató 3-3 en casa con el Sunderland.
Valencia, autor de su cuarto gol liguero, rompió la defensa del Blackburn y con un potente disparo en el minuto 81 fue clave en el triunfo de su equipo en Ewood Park.
Cinco minutos más tarde Ashley Young rubricó un triunfo que deja al líder de la Premier con 76 puntos, cinco más que su gran rival ciudadano, el Manchester City, que el sábado empató 3-3 en casa con el Sunderland.
sábado, 24 de marzo de 2012
Bolton 2 - 1 Blackburn
Bolton Wanderers returned to action seven days after Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest with a crucial win against fellow strugglers Blackburn Rovers at The Reebok Stadium.
As midfielder Muamba continues his recovery after collapsing during the abandoned FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham, Bolton were back in Premier League business with victory courtesy of defender David Wheater's two first-half headers.
There were emotional scenes before kick-off as both sets of supporters showed their support for Muamba - and once the action started Bolton delivered the result the club craved in their fight to retain Premier League status.
Wheater headed home twice in seven minutes to give Bolton control before the interval, both goals celebrated by the chanting of Muamba's name from the home support.
Steven Nzonzi pulled a goal back for Blackburn early in the second half but, despite some anxious moments, Bolton held on to move out of the bottom three and to within two points of Steve Kean's side.
DID YOU KNOW?
The win means Bolton have won successive games for the first time since April 2011
At the final whistle, Muamba's name rang around The Reebok once more as manager Owen Coyle joined his players in a huddle at the conclusion of a traumatic week for the club.
In the spring sunshine, supporters had begun arriving hours before kick-off to place items at the area of the stadium designated as a monument to the popular Muamba.
Bolton's players emerged for the warm-up in white shirts bearing Muamba's number "6" - while the green bibs worn by the substitutes carried a similar tribute.
The big screens showed a video montage of the good wishes sent to Muamba from around the football world, bringing prolonged applause from both sets of supporters.
And when the teams came out, a giant mosaic was revealed with the slogan "Muamba 6" as cards were held aloft along the entire length of one side of the stadium.
A period of applause was held prior to kick-off, before - perhaps understandably in the circumstances - the match itself got off to a slow start.
The visitors felt, with some justification, that they had claims for a penalty when Junior Hoilett tumbled under the outstretched leg of Gretar Steinsson but referee Andre Marriner was not interested.
Their frustration increased when Bolton took the lead after 28 minutes as Martin Petrov's cross took a touch off a defender and Wheater arrived to head past Paul Robinson.
Yakubu, always a danger in the box, was inches away from equalising with a firm downward header from Marcus Olsson's cross before Wheater bagged an unlikely double to put the Trotters further in front.
Rovers were once again guilty of dreadful marking, Wheater left unattended as he applied another firm header to Ryo Miyaichi's corner.
The hosts were soon on the attack again after the break, David Ngog just off target from Petrov's cross - but Blackburn were back in the game after 56 minutes when Nzonzi was allowed too much time and space to head Morten Gamst Pedersen's long throw past Adam Bogdan.
In what had become a lively affair - and with the visitors now sensing they could get a point - Bolton's Mark Davies should have done much better than head wide after escaping the attentions of the visitors' defence.
Yakubu was then narrowly off target with 10 minutes left as he attempted to flick in Hoilett's cross at the near post, another sign of Blackburn's growing belief.
This was Bolton's day, however, and scenes of relief and celebration - as well as more expressions of support for Muamba - accompanied the final whistle.
Use accessible player and disable flyout menus
Bolton's pre-match Muamba tribute
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (2)
Bolton Wanderers
01 Bogdan
02 Steinsson
18 Ricketts
31 Wheater
32 Ream
10 Petrov
16 M Davies
19 Reo-Coker
21 Pratley
24 Ngog (Klasnic - 78' )
30 Miyaichi
Substitutes
22 Jaaskelainen
03 Alonso
12 Knight
07 Eagles
14 K Davies
17 Klasnic
29 Sordell
Blackburn Rovers
01 Robinson
03 Mn Olsson
16 Dann
31 Hanley
10 Formica (Dunn - 65' )
12 Pedersen
15 Nzonzi
21 Ms Olsson Booked
35 Lowe Booked
23 Hoilett
24 Yakubu
Substitutes
13 Bunn
18 Orr
08 Dunn
14 Petrovic
29 Vukcevic
09 Modeste
25 Goodwillie
Ref: Marriner
As midfielder Muamba continues his recovery after collapsing during the abandoned FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham, Bolton were back in Premier League business with victory courtesy of defender David Wheater's two first-half headers.
There were emotional scenes before kick-off as both sets of supporters showed their support for Muamba - and once the action started Bolton delivered the result the club craved in their fight to retain Premier League status.
Wheater headed home twice in seven minutes to give Bolton control before the interval, both goals celebrated by the chanting of Muamba's name from the home support.
Steven Nzonzi pulled a goal back for Blackburn early in the second half but, despite some anxious moments, Bolton held on to move out of the bottom three and to within two points of Steve Kean's side.
DID YOU KNOW?
The win means Bolton have won successive games for the first time since April 2011
At the final whistle, Muamba's name rang around The Reebok once more as manager Owen Coyle joined his players in a huddle at the conclusion of a traumatic week for the club.
In the spring sunshine, supporters had begun arriving hours before kick-off to place items at the area of the stadium designated as a monument to the popular Muamba.
Bolton's players emerged for the warm-up in white shirts bearing Muamba's number "6" - while the green bibs worn by the substitutes carried a similar tribute.
The big screens showed a video montage of the good wishes sent to Muamba from around the football world, bringing prolonged applause from both sets of supporters.
And when the teams came out, a giant mosaic was revealed with the slogan "Muamba 6" as cards were held aloft along the entire length of one side of the stadium.
A period of applause was held prior to kick-off, before - perhaps understandably in the circumstances - the match itself got off to a slow start.
The visitors felt, with some justification, that they had claims for a penalty when Junior Hoilett tumbled under the outstretched leg of Gretar Steinsson but referee Andre Marriner was not interested.
Their frustration increased when Bolton took the lead after 28 minutes as Martin Petrov's cross took a touch off a defender and Wheater arrived to head past Paul Robinson.
Yakubu, always a danger in the box, was inches away from equalising with a firm downward header from Marcus Olsson's cross before Wheater bagged an unlikely double to put the Trotters further in front.
Rovers were once again guilty of dreadful marking, Wheater left unattended as he applied another firm header to Ryo Miyaichi's corner.
The hosts were soon on the attack again after the break, David Ngog just off target from Petrov's cross - but Blackburn were back in the game after 56 minutes when Nzonzi was allowed too much time and space to head Morten Gamst Pedersen's long throw past Adam Bogdan.
In what had become a lively affair - and with the visitors now sensing they could get a point - Bolton's Mark Davies should have done much better than head wide after escaping the attentions of the visitors' defence.
Yakubu was then narrowly off target with 10 minutes left as he attempted to flick in Hoilett's cross at the near post, another sign of Blackburn's growing belief.
This was Bolton's day, however, and scenes of relief and celebration - as well as more expressions of support for Muamba - accompanied the final whistle.
Use accessible player and disable flyout menus
Bolton's pre-match Muamba tribute
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (2)
Bolton Wanderers
01 Bogdan
02 Steinsson
18 Ricketts
31 Wheater
32 Ream
10 Petrov
16 M Davies
19 Reo-Coker
21 Pratley
24 Ngog (Klasnic - 78' )
30 Miyaichi
Substitutes
22 Jaaskelainen
03 Alonso
12 Knight
07 Eagles
14 K Davies
17 Klasnic
29 Sordell
Blackburn Rovers
01 Robinson
03 Mn Olsson
16 Dann
31 Hanley
10 Formica (Dunn - 65' )
12 Pedersen
15 Nzonzi
21 Ms Olsson Booked
35 Lowe Booked
23 Hoilett
24 Yakubu
Substitutes
13 Bunn
18 Orr
08 Dunn
14 Petrovic
29 Vukcevic
09 Modeste
25 Goodwillie
Ref: Marriner
martes, 20 de marzo de 2012
Blackburn Rovers 2 - 0 Sunderland
El Blackburn ganó al Sunderland (2-0) y se distanció de la zona de descenso, en su encuentro de la vigésima novena jornada de la Premier League que lidera el Manchester United.
El Blackburn, que hace unas semanas estaba anclado en los últimos puestos, encarriló el triunfo a la hora de partido, con el gol del delantero canadiense David Hoilett a centro del noruego Morten Gamst Pedersen.
En el tramo final, el nigeriano Aiyegbeni Yakubu, tras una acción de Jason Lowe, sentenció el partido.
El encuentro entre el Aston Villa y el Bolton, también previsto inicialmente para este martes, fue aplazado dada la situación del jugador Fabrice Muamba, aún en estado crítico tras desplomarse en el encuentro ante el Tottenham, el pasado sábado.
.
El Blackburn, que hace unas semanas estaba anclado en los últimos puestos, encarriló el triunfo a la hora de partido, con el gol del delantero canadiense David Hoilett a centro del noruego Morten Gamst Pedersen.
En el tramo final, el nigeriano Aiyegbeni Yakubu, tras una acción de Jason Lowe, sentenció el partido.
El encuentro entre el Aston Villa y el Bolton, también previsto inicialmente para este martes, fue aplazado dada la situación del jugador Fabrice Muamba, aún en estado crítico tras desplomarse en el encuentro ante el Tottenham, el pasado sábado.
.
sábado, 10 de marzo de 2012
Video Wolves 0 - 2 Blackburn
Cómoda victoria del Blackburn en cancha de un Wolves que mostró su peor cara posible. Los visitantes se hicieron con el partido debido a su mayor pegada en los metros finales. Hoillet fue decisivo con un gran doblete, y el conjunto de Kean sale de puestos de descenso. Mientras, el Wolves se queda penúltimo ofreciendo una pobrísima imagen.
El choque se presentaba como una final para ambos conjuntos, ya que los dos arrancaban la jornada en puestos de descenso e igualados a 22 puntos, tras la victoria del Bolton sobre el QPR pocos minutos antes. Los dos conjuntos han vivido una convulsa temporada. En los Wolves, Mick McCarthy fue destituido tras la mala racha de resultados, mientras que el Blackburn ha vivido en constante cisma social, dada la mala relación entre la hinchada y el técnico Steve Kean (ex segundo entrenador de la Real Sociedad en la era Coleman), pidiendo constantemente el cese del mismo.
Hace ya dos jornadas que se estrenó en el banquillo de los Wolves Terry Connor, que ejercía de segundo entrenador con McCarthy. El empate cosechado en Newcastle supuso un excelente inicio en su cargo, pero la abultada derrota por 5-0 frente al Fulham la semana anterior sembró grandes dudas. El equipo presentaba para este choque las novedades de Steven Fletcher en ataque para acompañar a Kevin Doyle, Bassong en el centro de la zaga y Edwards y Davis en el centro del campo. Una pequeña revolución en el once tras el fiasco en Craven Cottage.
El Blackbun solo ha sumado una victoria en sus últimos 6 partidos, como local frente al QPR. No obstante, los de Kean cosecharon un buen empate en casa frente al Aston Villa. Las únicas novedades en el once visitante eran la presencia de Marcus Olsson en vez de Petrovic (un cambio netamente ofensivo) y el cambio en el lateral derecho, entraba Lowe por Orr.
El inicio del partido fue representativo del momento en el que viven ambos conjuntos: dos equipos dubitativos con muchísimas imprecisiones en los pases, con una falta de fluidez en su juego alarmante. La primera llegada clara del encuentro, fruto de una pérdida tonta de balón de Ward, se saldó con un peligroso tiro de Yakubu que atajó Owen Hennesey. Minutos después un cabezazo del africano se iba rozando el poste. El nigeriano fue uno de los jugadores más activos durante el encuentro. Cuarto de hora de encuentro y el Blackburn que daba mayor sensación de peligro.
El encuentro se desarrolló en su primera parte en una indefinición total, con juego de balón largo y poco más. Si había alguien que merecía algo más, ese era el Blackburn. Los visitantes se adelantaron en el marcador a falta de pocos minutos para terminar la primera mitad. Un saque de banda largo de Pedersen fue despejado de manera deficiente por la zaga local, y Hoillet enganchó un disparo desde dentro del área para batir la portería local. Se cernían los nubarrones sobre Molineux, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta la lamentable imagen ofrecida por los Wolves, que no realizaron ni un solo disparo a puerta en el primer tiempo.
Se esperaba por lo tanto una reacción por parte de los locales en el inicio de la segunda mitad. Nada más lejos de la realidad. El encuentro siguió sumido en la pelea constante y la falta de calidad, esperable en un partido entre dos equipos de la zona baja de la tabla. Un partido nada recomendable si no eres fan de alguno de los dos equipos.
El Blackburn, que estaba siendo algo mejor, sentenció el choque en el minuto 69 gracias a un nuevo gol de Hoillet, decisivo en el triunfo visitante. El delantero inglés disparó desde la frontal del área y la pelota se introdujo en la red de un Hennesey que pudo hacer hecho más por detener el lanzamiento. A pesar del nuevo gol visitante, fue el Blackburn quien siguió buscando el gol mereciendo marcar un tercer tanto. Los visitantes fueron el único equipo que creó peligro en el partido.
El último arreón final de los Wolves fue insuficiente y la victoria cayó del lado de un Blackburn que sale de los puestos de descenso. Los visitantes se puede decir que fueron superiores, sobre todo en el área rival donde crearon bastante peligro. Los locales ofrecieron una imagen penosa, y si no cambia mucho la cosa, huelen a equipo de Championship. En la siguiente jornada reciben en casa al Manchester United.
Ficha técnica:
Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Stearman, Bassong, Ward, Doyle (Ebans-Blake, min.81), Davis (Milijas, min.74), Edwards (Kightly, min.59), O'Hara, Jarvis, Fletcher.
Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson, Formica, Pedersen (Dunn, min.74), Nzonzi, Marcus Olsson, Hoilett, Yakubu.
GOLES: 0-1, Hoillet (min.42), 0-2, Hoillet (min.69)
ÁRBITRO: Chris Foy, amonestó a Pedersen (min.31), Hanley (min.59) y Fletcher (min.65)
INCIDENCIAS: 29,000 espectadores en Molineux. Partido correspondiente a la vigesimoctava jornada de la Premier League.
El choque se presentaba como una final para ambos conjuntos, ya que los dos arrancaban la jornada en puestos de descenso e igualados a 22 puntos, tras la victoria del Bolton sobre el QPR pocos minutos antes. Los dos conjuntos han vivido una convulsa temporada. En los Wolves, Mick McCarthy fue destituido tras la mala racha de resultados, mientras que el Blackburn ha vivido en constante cisma social, dada la mala relación entre la hinchada y el técnico Steve Kean (ex segundo entrenador de la Real Sociedad en la era Coleman), pidiendo constantemente el cese del mismo.
Hace ya dos jornadas que se estrenó en el banquillo de los Wolves Terry Connor, que ejercía de segundo entrenador con McCarthy. El empate cosechado en Newcastle supuso un excelente inicio en su cargo, pero la abultada derrota por 5-0 frente al Fulham la semana anterior sembró grandes dudas. El equipo presentaba para este choque las novedades de Steven Fletcher en ataque para acompañar a Kevin Doyle, Bassong en el centro de la zaga y Edwards y Davis en el centro del campo. Una pequeña revolución en el once tras el fiasco en Craven Cottage.
El Blackbun solo ha sumado una victoria en sus últimos 6 partidos, como local frente al QPR. No obstante, los de Kean cosecharon un buen empate en casa frente al Aston Villa. Las únicas novedades en el once visitante eran la presencia de Marcus Olsson en vez de Petrovic (un cambio netamente ofensivo) y el cambio en el lateral derecho, entraba Lowe por Orr.
El inicio del partido fue representativo del momento en el que viven ambos conjuntos: dos equipos dubitativos con muchísimas imprecisiones en los pases, con una falta de fluidez en su juego alarmante. La primera llegada clara del encuentro, fruto de una pérdida tonta de balón de Ward, se saldó con un peligroso tiro de Yakubu que atajó Owen Hennesey. Minutos después un cabezazo del africano se iba rozando el poste. El nigeriano fue uno de los jugadores más activos durante el encuentro. Cuarto de hora de encuentro y el Blackburn que daba mayor sensación de peligro.
El encuentro se desarrolló en su primera parte en una indefinición total, con juego de balón largo y poco más. Si había alguien que merecía algo más, ese era el Blackburn. Los visitantes se adelantaron en el marcador a falta de pocos minutos para terminar la primera mitad. Un saque de banda largo de Pedersen fue despejado de manera deficiente por la zaga local, y Hoillet enganchó un disparo desde dentro del área para batir la portería local. Se cernían los nubarrones sobre Molineux, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta la lamentable imagen ofrecida por los Wolves, que no realizaron ni un solo disparo a puerta en el primer tiempo.
Se esperaba por lo tanto una reacción por parte de los locales en el inicio de la segunda mitad. Nada más lejos de la realidad. El encuentro siguió sumido en la pelea constante y la falta de calidad, esperable en un partido entre dos equipos de la zona baja de la tabla. Un partido nada recomendable si no eres fan de alguno de los dos equipos.
El Blackburn, que estaba siendo algo mejor, sentenció el choque en el minuto 69 gracias a un nuevo gol de Hoillet, decisivo en el triunfo visitante. El delantero inglés disparó desde la frontal del área y la pelota se introdujo en la red de un Hennesey que pudo hacer hecho más por detener el lanzamiento. A pesar del nuevo gol visitante, fue el Blackburn quien siguió buscando el gol mereciendo marcar un tercer tanto. Los visitantes fueron el único equipo que creó peligro en el partido.
El último arreón final de los Wolves fue insuficiente y la victoria cayó del lado de un Blackburn que sale de los puestos de descenso. Los visitantes se puede decir que fueron superiores, sobre todo en el área rival donde crearon bastante peligro. Los locales ofrecieron una imagen penosa, y si no cambia mucho la cosa, huelen a equipo de Championship. En la siguiente jornada reciben en casa al Manchester United.
Ficha técnica:
Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Stearman, Bassong, Ward, Doyle (Ebans-Blake, min.81), Davis (Milijas, min.74), Edwards (Kightly, min.59), O'Hara, Jarvis, Fletcher.
Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson, Formica, Pedersen (Dunn, min.74), Nzonzi, Marcus Olsson, Hoilett, Yakubu.
GOLES: 0-1, Hoillet (min.42), 0-2, Hoillet (min.69)
ÁRBITRO: Chris Foy, amonestó a Pedersen (min.31), Hanley (min.59) y Fletcher (min.65)
INCIDENCIAS: 29,000 espectadores en Molineux. Partido correspondiente a la vigesimoctava jornada de la Premier League.
sábado, 3 de marzo de 2012
Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Aston Villa
Comment
While Joe Hart is the man of the moment, there is another English goalkeeper who is salvaging valuable points for his side.
Blackburn Rovers’ Paul Robinson is ready to end his self-imposed England exile and this agile, alert display will add to the clamour for his re-instatement as valuable, experienced back-up.
Substitute David Dunn was the man to snatch an equaliser for Blackburn, on his comeback from injury, but that leveller would not have been possible without Robinson’s reflexes beforehand.
Aston Villa had been dominating the game, particularly in the first half, but the home side’s goalkeeper kept thwarting them.
Whoever is installed as Fabio Capello’s successor should not make the same mistake of ignoring Robinson.
Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa: match preview 02 Mar 2012
Blackburn manager Steve Kean said: “He was disappointed to be omitted from the England squad beforehand. Maybe, with a change at the top end, who’s to say he can’t get back in? He’s playing well enough.”
Robinson’s saves meant Blackburn could rescue a point that masked their deficiencies. They surrendered possession with alarming regularity and left Yakubu looking isolated.
Villa’s re-moulded midfield — two holding players and three attacking men, including Stephen Ireland in the hole — had out-classed Blackburn. The home side looked rougher and hungrier in the second half and boyhood Blackburn fan Dunn headed in the leveller.
“In the first half, we were really poor, as bad as we’ve been for months,” admitted Kean. “But there were a few choice words at half-time and we were better in the second half.”
Villa scored when Carlos Cuellar cut inside from the left with a purposeful run then threaded the ball forward for Charles N’Zogbia to smash beyond Robinson from 12 yards.
N’Zogbia came close to doubling the lead following an Ireland cross but Robinson parried.
Robinson’s impressive display continued, early in the second half, as he tipped away Ireland’s low shot then gathered the loose ball before Alan Hutton could pounce.
His third commendable stop came when he saved Gabriel Agbonlahor’s six-yard header from Stephen Warnock’s delivery.
It paid off when Dunn headed in at the back post following a right-sided ball from Bradley Orr. Villa had been five minutes away from a victory that would have moved them 11 points clear of Blackburn.
Instead they still cannot be entirely comfortable about avoiding a relegation battle with tricky fixtures to come.
“We lacked ruthlessness and that’s blighted us this season,” said manager Alex McLeish. “We created chances but Robinson made some fantastic saves.”
While Joe Hart is the man of the moment, there is another English goalkeeper who is salvaging valuable points for his side.
Blackburn Rovers’ Paul Robinson is ready to end his self-imposed England exile and this agile, alert display will add to the clamour for his re-instatement as valuable, experienced back-up.
Substitute David Dunn was the man to snatch an equaliser for Blackburn, on his comeback from injury, but that leveller would not have been possible without Robinson’s reflexes beforehand.
Aston Villa had been dominating the game, particularly in the first half, but the home side’s goalkeeper kept thwarting them.
Whoever is installed as Fabio Capello’s successor should not make the same mistake of ignoring Robinson.
Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa: match preview 02 Mar 2012
Blackburn manager Steve Kean said: “He was disappointed to be omitted from the England squad beforehand. Maybe, with a change at the top end, who’s to say he can’t get back in? He’s playing well enough.”
Robinson’s saves meant Blackburn could rescue a point that masked their deficiencies. They surrendered possession with alarming regularity and left Yakubu looking isolated.
Villa’s re-moulded midfield — two holding players and three attacking men, including Stephen Ireland in the hole — had out-classed Blackburn. The home side looked rougher and hungrier in the second half and boyhood Blackburn fan Dunn headed in the leveller.
“In the first half, we were really poor, as bad as we’ve been for months,” admitted Kean. “But there were a few choice words at half-time and we were better in the second half.”
Villa scored when Carlos Cuellar cut inside from the left with a purposeful run then threaded the ball forward for Charles N’Zogbia to smash beyond Robinson from 12 yards.
N’Zogbia came close to doubling the lead following an Ireland cross but Robinson parried.
Robinson’s impressive display continued, early in the second half, as he tipped away Ireland’s low shot then gathered the loose ball before Alan Hutton could pounce.
His third commendable stop came when he saved Gabriel Agbonlahor’s six-yard header from Stephen Warnock’s delivery.
It paid off when Dunn headed in at the back post following a right-sided ball from Bradley Orr. Villa had been five minutes away from a victory that would have moved them 11 points clear of Blackburn.
Instead they still cannot be entirely comfortable about avoiding a relegation battle with tricky fixtures to come.
“We lacked ruthlessness and that’s blighted us this season,” said manager Alex McLeish. “We created chances but Robinson made some fantastic saves.”
sábado, 25 de febrero de 2012
Manchester City 3 - 0 Blackburn
El líder de la liga inglesa, el Manchester City del argentino Sergio "Kun" Agüero, demostró su autoridad en un partido plácido frente al Blackburn Rovers en el Etihad Stadium que ganó por 3-0.
Los goles del italiano Mario Balotelli, Agüero y el bosnio Edin Dzeko, consolidan en lo alto de la tabla de la Premier League a los "citizens", que esta noche dormirán con cinco puntos de ventaja sobre sus vecinos del Manchester United, que mañana visitan Norwich.
El Blackburn parecía amedrentado sobre el césped del Etihad, y el dominio abrumador de los locales se tradujo en algunos tramos de la primera parte en posesiones de balón cercanas al ochenta por ciento.
Las ocasiones se sucedían para unos "citizens" que confiaron su ataque al argentino Agüero, ampliamente elogiado por los medios británicos tras su actuación ante el Oporto en la Liga Europa esta semana, así como al italiano Mario Balotelli, que reaparecía en liga tras una sanción de cuatro partidos.
Balotelli, que a principios de esta temporada ya había copado las portadas de los periódicos en el Reino Unido por incendiar su casa mientras jugaba con fuegos artificiales en el baño, provocó la indignación en la prensa británica cuando pisó la cabeza de Scott Parker en un encuentro frente al Tottenham en enero, lo que le valió una severa sanción de la Federación inglesa (FA).
Las críticas no parecieron afectar esta tarde al delantero, que a la media hora de juego trasladó al marcador la ventaja del City, que resultaba evidente sobre el césped desde el minuto uno.
Un robo de balón en el campo de los "citizens" permitió al español David Silva conducir el esférico hasta el borde el área del guardameta inglés del Blackburn Paul Robinson.
El internacional español advirtió como su compañero Aleksandar Kolarov se desmarcaba por la banda izquierda y le dejó el esférico para que, casi desde la línea de fondo, el serbio trazara un centro al primer palo que Balotelli conectó para dejar la pelota al fondo de la red.
Todavía quedaba una hora de partido y los visitantes parecían rendidos a la superioridad de los "citizens".
El Blackburn ni controlaba el balón ni superaba apenas el medio campo, mientras que el City no dudaba en urdir jugadas que requerían decenas de pases para acercarse con paciencia al área rival.
Un error del guardameta del Blackburn propició el segundo gol de los "citizens" y sentenció definitivamente el partido.
Robinson despejó con las manos un balón de córner para dejarlo en la frontal del área pequeña, desde donde Agüero aprovechó el regalo del portero rival para rematar a puerta sin oposición.
De nuevo Kolarov, desde la izquierda, trazó un centro lejano cuando no quedaban más de diez minutos para la conclusión que permitió al bosnio Edin Dzeko clavar el tercero con la cabeza en el primer balón que tocaba tras salir del banquillo.
Los goles del italiano Mario Balotelli, Agüero y el bosnio Edin Dzeko, consolidan en lo alto de la tabla de la Premier League a los "citizens", que esta noche dormirán con cinco puntos de ventaja sobre sus vecinos del Manchester United, que mañana visitan Norwich.
El Blackburn parecía amedrentado sobre el césped del Etihad, y el dominio abrumador de los locales se tradujo en algunos tramos de la primera parte en posesiones de balón cercanas al ochenta por ciento.
Las ocasiones se sucedían para unos "citizens" que confiaron su ataque al argentino Agüero, ampliamente elogiado por los medios británicos tras su actuación ante el Oporto en la Liga Europa esta semana, así como al italiano Mario Balotelli, que reaparecía en liga tras una sanción de cuatro partidos.
Balotelli, que a principios de esta temporada ya había copado las portadas de los periódicos en el Reino Unido por incendiar su casa mientras jugaba con fuegos artificiales en el baño, provocó la indignación en la prensa británica cuando pisó la cabeza de Scott Parker en un encuentro frente al Tottenham en enero, lo que le valió una severa sanción de la Federación inglesa (FA).
Las críticas no parecieron afectar esta tarde al delantero, que a la media hora de juego trasladó al marcador la ventaja del City, que resultaba evidente sobre el césped desde el minuto uno.
Un robo de balón en el campo de los "citizens" permitió al español David Silva conducir el esférico hasta el borde el área del guardameta inglés del Blackburn Paul Robinson.
El internacional español advirtió como su compañero Aleksandar Kolarov se desmarcaba por la banda izquierda y le dejó el esférico para que, casi desde la línea de fondo, el serbio trazara un centro al primer palo que Balotelli conectó para dejar la pelota al fondo de la red.
Todavía quedaba una hora de partido y los visitantes parecían rendidos a la superioridad de los "citizens".
El Blackburn ni controlaba el balón ni superaba apenas el medio campo, mientras que el City no dudaba en urdir jugadas que requerían decenas de pases para acercarse con paciencia al área rival.
Un error del guardameta del Blackburn propició el segundo gol de los "citizens" y sentenció definitivamente el partido.
Robinson despejó con las manos un balón de córner para dejarlo en la frontal del área pequeña, desde donde Agüero aprovechó el regalo del portero rival para rematar a puerta sin oposición.
De nuevo Kolarov, desde la izquierda, trazó un centro lejano cuando no quedaban más de diez minutos para la conclusión que permitió al bosnio Edin Dzeko clavar el tercero con la cabeza en el primer balón que tocaba tras salir del banquillo.
sábado, 11 de febrero de 2012
Blackburn Roovers 3 - 2 Queen Park Rangers
Blackburn chose the visit of a revered guest to find an antidote to their Ewood Park vulnerability. While their capitulation against Arsenal seven days earlier exposed their defensive frailty, their charity this season began at home.
Before Mark Hughes's return, Rovers had lost nine of their 12 league fixtures on their own turf; a statistic in stark contrast to the Hughes blueprint for success during his successful four seasons in this east Lancashire enclave.
It took Hughes two seasons to lose that many matches on his own manor, and improvement will be crucial in Steve Kean's team's bid to beat the drop. Blackburn's first-half display – clinical and energetic – bore all the hallmarks of a Hughes side circa 2006. Unfortunately, in contrast, Queens Park Rangers' performance did not.
Their defence was breached three times in the opening 45 minutes and Blackburn led by three as a result. Yakubu Ayegbeni, returning after a three-game suspension, put them in front on the quarter-hour with his 13th Premier League goal of the season. Paul Robinson's raking long ball found its way into Yakubu's path from Steven Nzonzi's flick-on and a swivel of the hips left Anton Ferdinand in his wake, as the ball was transferred from left boot to right and beyond Paddy Kenny. "We've missed him and we're glad he's back," Kean said.
Midway through the half, French midfielder Nzonzi doubled the advantage. His surge from halfway created uncertainty in a retreating Rangers rearguard and, after feeding Junior Hoilett on the left, he loitered on the edge of the area to stroke in a delayed return pass.
However, against opponents that conceded seven at the Emirates in their last outing and without a clean sheet in any match for 10 months, QPR were always in the game and would have had a firmer foothold if Bobby Zamora's opportunistic hook over his own shoulder had gone the other side of an upright after Blackburn failed to clear a corner on the half-hour.
Confirmation that Zamora was to be defeated here for a second time this year – he was in the Fulham team who lost 3-1 to 10 men last month – was all-but delivered four minutes into first-half injury time when Yakubu headed Martin Olsson's free-kick across the box and Hoilett's drive from a diminishing angle struck Nedum Onuoha's ankles, looped over Kenny and went in off the underside of the bar.
"You can't give any Premier League team a three-goal head start," Hughes said. "The first 45 minutes were as poor as we've been since I've been in the door and arguably the poorest of any team I have been involved with, to be honest."
Things almost got worse seven minutes after the restart when Yakubu – a QPR target before the January window closed – cleared Kenny's leap but struck the underside of the crossbar with an audacious chip from 20 yards.
Djibril Cissé, one of the strikers they did manage to acquire, was serving a ban, so it was left to the QPR substitute Jamie Mackie, who broke his leg on his last visit to Ewood 13 months ago, to sharpen their attack. He turned in from inside the six-yard box to expose former Ranger Bradley Orr's 70th-minute defensive error, and then rifled in a beauty at the death to ensure that Blackburn were kept in the bottom three on goal difference.
Before Mark Hughes's return, Rovers had lost nine of their 12 league fixtures on their own turf; a statistic in stark contrast to the Hughes blueprint for success during his successful four seasons in this east Lancashire enclave.
It took Hughes two seasons to lose that many matches on his own manor, and improvement will be crucial in Steve Kean's team's bid to beat the drop. Blackburn's first-half display – clinical and energetic – bore all the hallmarks of a Hughes side circa 2006. Unfortunately, in contrast, Queens Park Rangers' performance did not.
Their defence was breached three times in the opening 45 minutes and Blackburn led by three as a result. Yakubu Ayegbeni, returning after a three-game suspension, put them in front on the quarter-hour with his 13th Premier League goal of the season. Paul Robinson's raking long ball found its way into Yakubu's path from Steven Nzonzi's flick-on and a swivel of the hips left Anton Ferdinand in his wake, as the ball was transferred from left boot to right and beyond Paddy Kenny. "We've missed him and we're glad he's back," Kean said.
Midway through the half, French midfielder Nzonzi doubled the advantage. His surge from halfway created uncertainty in a retreating Rangers rearguard and, after feeding Junior Hoilett on the left, he loitered on the edge of the area to stroke in a delayed return pass.
However, against opponents that conceded seven at the Emirates in their last outing and without a clean sheet in any match for 10 months, QPR were always in the game and would have had a firmer foothold if Bobby Zamora's opportunistic hook over his own shoulder had gone the other side of an upright after Blackburn failed to clear a corner on the half-hour.
Confirmation that Zamora was to be defeated here for a second time this year – he was in the Fulham team who lost 3-1 to 10 men last month – was all-but delivered four minutes into first-half injury time when Yakubu headed Martin Olsson's free-kick across the box and Hoilett's drive from a diminishing angle struck Nedum Onuoha's ankles, looped over Kenny and went in off the underside of the bar.
"You can't give any Premier League team a three-goal head start," Hughes said. "The first 45 minutes were as poor as we've been since I've been in the door and arguably the poorest of any team I have been involved with, to be honest."
Things almost got worse seven minutes after the restart when Yakubu – a QPR target before the January window closed – cleared Kenny's leap but struck the underside of the crossbar with an audacious chip from 20 yards.
Djibril Cissé, one of the strikers they did manage to acquire, was serving a ban, so it was left to the QPR substitute Jamie Mackie, who broke his leg on his last visit to Ewood 13 months ago, to sharpen their attack. He turned in from inside the six-yard box to expose former Ranger Bradley Orr's 70th-minute defensive error, and then rifled in a beauty at the death to ensure that Blackburn were kept in the bottom three on goal difference.
martes, 7 de febrero de 2012
Ocho años Blackburn ficha a niña prodigio
El Blackburn Rovers ha decidido fichar talento en clave femenino. Se llama Lily Lawson y tan sólo tiene ocho años. La nueva sensación del fútbol británico ha fijado la mirada de los ojeadores del Blackburn tras anotar 70 goles en 14 partidos con el Cleckheaton. La nueva perla del fútbol británico pasa a formar parte del equipo formativo masculino, a pesar de que los de Ewood Park cuentan con sección femenina.
sábado, 4 de febrero de 2012
Arsenal 7 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
Un Arsenal liderado por el holandés Robin Van Persie, que marcó un triplete, mostró el sábado en el Emirates una de sus mejores versiones de esta temporada y goleó al Blackburn por 7-1.
Pocos días antes de enfrentarse al Milán en los octavos de la UEFA Champions League, los del francés Arsène Wenger se exhibieron en la Premier con un Van Persie en estado de gracia que consolidó su primer puesto en el ránking de máximos goleadores con 22 tantos.
Con los noventa minutos cumplidos, el veterano francés Thierry Henry volvió a provocar el delirio en las gradas del Emirates al marcar el séptimo gracias a un generoso pase del delantero holandés.
El español Mikel Arteta, con una diana, y el joven inglés Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, con dos, completaron un marcador que sirve a los Gunners para volver provisionalmente a las plazas europeas.
A pesar del frío, el Arsenal no necesitó calentamiento esta tarde y, al minuto y veinte segundos de partido, con el estadio todavía medio vacío por los cortes y retrasos que sufría hoy el metro en la capital británica, Van Persie revolucionó el encuentro al rematar a gol un centro del inglés Theo Walcott.
El Blackburn quedó noqueado cuando todavía no había tenido tiempo de situarse sobre el campo, y ese desconcierto se alargó durante una primera media hora en la que los visitantes desaparecieron del terreno de juego.
El cuadro de Wenger mandaba, pero quizás por exceso de confianza no llegaba a definir ninguna de las numerosas ocasiones que generaba, lo que permitió al Blackburn sacar partido de una falta para equilibrar el marcador.
En el primer disparo a puerta del equipo de Ewood Park, el noruego Morten Pedersen colocó un balón a la escuadra que el guardameta polaco Wojciech Szczesny no pudo más que rozar con los dedos.
La igualdad no reflejaba lo que sucedía sobre el césped y el Arsenal, enfurecido, desplegó su mejor versión para, en tan solo cinco minutos, apabullar a su rival y sentenciar el choque.
Con la precisión de un mecanismo de relojería, los Gunners se plantaron con tres pases en el área visitante para que Van Persie marcara su segundo tanto de la tarde en el 38.
El camerunés Alex Song condujo la pelota desde la zona de tres cuartos y trazó un pase para que Walcott, de nuevo, recogiera el balón a la carrera y se lo cediera desde la línea de fondo al holandés, que desde el centro del área no encontró interferencias para enviar el balón a la red.
El Arsenal solo había comenzado a mostrar su cara más implacable: dos minutos después, el mismo Van Persie recibió un balón de espaldas en campo del Blackburn, se giró, levantó la cabeza y envió un pase profundo para que el joven Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, de tan solo 18 años, burlara al guardameta rival con un ligero toque y marcara su primer gol en la Premier.
Con diez hombres sobre el campo por la expulsión del francés Gael Givet, los visitantes estaban desahuciados en el Emirates, pero todavía debían sobrellevar toda la segunda parte.
El español Arteta, con un disparo seco en el rechace de un saque de esquina, estableció el 4-1 en el minuto 51 y, tres después, de nuevo Oxlade-Chamberlain envió el balón a la red al rematar pegado al palo un pase de Walcott, que se había introducido en el área sorteando a los defensas del Blackburn.
La última media hora fue de puro lucimiento: con el rival exhausto y desorientado, Van Persie completó su triplete en el 62 gracias a un pase del francés Francis Coquelin, y en el 68 las gradas del Emirates celebraron la entrada del veterano Thierry Henry, que apura sus últimas semanas cedido en el club que le convirtió en una estrella.
En el descuento, el último deseo que podían pedir los aficionados Gunners se cumplió, y las gradas estallaron cuando Henry culminó la jugada de un generoso Van Persie para colocar el séptimo de la tarde.
Pocos días antes de enfrentarse al Milán en los octavos de la UEFA Champions League, los del francés Arsène Wenger se exhibieron en la Premier con un Van Persie en estado de gracia que consolidó su primer puesto en el ránking de máximos goleadores con 22 tantos.
Con los noventa minutos cumplidos, el veterano francés Thierry Henry volvió a provocar el delirio en las gradas del Emirates al marcar el séptimo gracias a un generoso pase del delantero holandés.
El español Mikel Arteta, con una diana, y el joven inglés Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, con dos, completaron un marcador que sirve a los Gunners para volver provisionalmente a las plazas europeas.
A pesar del frío, el Arsenal no necesitó calentamiento esta tarde y, al minuto y veinte segundos de partido, con el estadio todavía medio vacío por los cortes y retrasos que sufría hoy el metro en la capital británica, Van Persie revolucionó el encuentro al rematar a gol un centro del inglés Theo Walcott.
El Blackburn quedó noqueado cuando todavía no había tenido tiempo de situarse sobre el campo, y ese desconcierto se alargó durante una primera media hora en la que los visitantes desaparecieron del terreno de juego.
El cuadro de Wenger mandaba, pero quizás por exceso de confianza no llegaba a definir ninguna de las numerosas ocasiones que generaba, lo que permitió al Blackburn sacar partido de una falta para equilibrar el marcador.
En el primer disparo a puerta del equipo de Ewood Park, el noruego Morten Pedersen colocó un balón a la escuadra que el guardameta polaco Wojciech Szczesny no pudo más que rozar con los dedos.
La igualdad no reflejaba lo que sucedía sobre el césped y el Arsenal, enfurecido, desplegó su mejor versión para, en tan solo cinco minutos, apabullar a su rival y sentenciar el choque.
Con la precisión de un mecanismo de relojería, los Gunners se plantaron con tres pases en el área visitante para que Van Persie marcara su segundo tanto de la tarde en el 38.
El camerunés Alex Song condujo la pelota desde la zona de tres cuartos y trazó un pase para que Walcott, de nuevo, recogiera el balón a la carrera y se lo cediera desde la línea de fondo al holandés, que desde el centro del área no encontró interferencias para enviar el balón a la red.
El Arsenal solo había comenzado a mostrar su cara más implacable: dos minutos después, el mismo Van Persie recibió un balón de espaldas en campo del Blackburn, se giró, levantó la cabeza y envió un pase profundo para que el joven Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, de tan solo 18 años, burlara al guardameta rival con un ligero toque y marcara su primer gol en la Premier.
Con diez hombres sobre el campo por la expulsión del francés Gael Givet, los visitantes estaban desahuciados en el Emirates, pero todavía debían sobrellevar toda la segunda parte.
El español Arteta, con un disparo seco en el rechace de un saque de esquina, estableció el 4-1 en el minuto 51 y, tres después, de nuevo Oxlade-Chamberlain envió el balón a la red al rematar pegado al palo un pase de Walcott, que se había introducido en el área sorteando a los defensas del Blackburn.
La última media hora fue de puro lucimiento: con el rival exhausto y desorientado, Van Persie completó su triplete en el 62 gracias a un pase del francés Francis Coquelin, y en el 68 las gradas del Emirates celebraron la entrada del veterano Thierry Henry, que apura sus últimas semanas cedido en el club que le convirtió en una estrella.
En el descuento, el último deseo que podían pedir los aficionados Gunners se cumplió, y las gradas estallaron cuando Henry culminó la jugada de un generoso Van Persie para colocar el séptimo de la tarde.
miércoles, 1 de febrero de 2012
Blackburn 0 - 2 Newcastle
A Scott Dann own goal and a stoppage time effort by Gabriel Obertan sent Newcastle fifth while increasing Blackburn's relegation worries.
Ryan Taylor's 12th minute shot took a heavy deflection off defender Dann and left keeper Paul Robinson helpless.
But Rovers were wasteful, not least when David Dunn missed a penalty after Danny Simpson fouled Anthony Modeste.
Newcastle's Leon Best headed against his own bar before substitute Obertan sealed victory in the dying moments.
Blackburn must be sick of the sight of Newcastle, having lost three of the four encounters between the teams in as many months.
And Rovers will wonder how they did not salvage at least a point in a game they dominated for long periods.
The worry for manager Steve Kean is that his side's next two away games are at Arsenal and Manchester City.
As for Newcastle, this was just the result Alan Pardew demanded after a 5-2 defeat at Fulham and FA Cup exit at Brighton.
Blackburn need influential defender Chris Samba, missing for the fourth successive match, back as soon as possible if they are to claw themselves out of trouble.
Samba has not featured since handing in a transfer request but Rovers, still without a clean sheet in a top-flight game this season, are clearly missing his presence in the back four.
Rovers went behind after a mix-up between Radosav Petrovic and Dann allowed Taylor to take a speculative shot from distance which deflected off Dann and deceived former England keeper Robinson.
It was cruel on the hosts who, for the remainder of the half, did everything but find the net.
Gael Givet had a volley cleared off the line by Simpson while Modeste, making his home debut after signing on loan from Bordeaux, and Junior Hoilett both went close before Leon Best headed against his own bar while trying to clear Morten Gamst-Pedersen's corner.
Petrovic was also unfortunate before tempers boiled over when Hoilett appeared to dive inside the Newcastle area. So incensed was Taylor by Hoilett's actions that the Newcastle player earned a booking from referee Phil Dowd.
Rovers were awarded a penalty two minutes before the break though, when referee Dowd awarded a penalty after Simpson barged into Modeste.
But Krul came to Newcastle's rescue by keeping out Dunn's weak spot-kick and the Dutch keeper was alert to save Givet's tame follow-up.
Use accessible player and disable flyout menus
Pardew praises Newcastle spirit after Blackburn win
Blackburn continued to create chances after the interval, with substitute Mauro Formica firing into the side-netting when he should have done better.
But their hopes were ended in injury time when substitute Obertan ended a quick break with the sort of clinical finish Rovers had been so sorely lacking.
Blackburn manager Steve Kean: "We've had enough chances to win three games. I think if you are trying to take positives out of the defeat then we are certainly making the chances but we just weren't ruthless enough.
"After Newcastle scored their deflected goal we dominated the reast of the first half and all of the second half. Performance wise we have to be happy with the way we played for the first 15 minutes, we controlled the game.
"So it is a tough one to take because we at least deserved a point, in fact I'd probably have been disappointed to have got a point. "I'll speak with Chris (Samba) on Thursday and it's been tough for him after wanting to leave. We're delighted he's still here and I'm sure he'll get back on it for us."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: "We had a bit of criticism about the Brighton game and we lost (Yohan) Cabaye, the two Senegal boys couldn't make it, and we still won.
"Great credit to the players and particularly to James Perch. I left him out even though he was excellent at Brighton. But he came into midfield for the second half and we looked a lot stronger in there.
"We've got such resolve in the squad. We've gone up to fifth - it's an outstanding achievement from this football club. To get a win on the back of Brighton was brilliant."
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)
Blackburn Rovers
01 Robinson
03 Mn Olsson
05 Givet
16 Dann
35 Lowe Booked
08 Dunn (Rochina - 78' )
12 Pedersen
14 Petrovic (Formica - 66' )
15 Nzonzi
23 Hoilett
09 Modeste
Substitutes
13 Bunn
31 Hanley
39 Henley
10 Formica
29 Vukcevic
19 Slew
20 Rochina
Newcastle United
26 Krul
02 Coloccini
03 Santon
05 Simpson
06 Williamson Booked
08 Guthrie
10 Ben Arfa (Perch - 46' )
16 R Taylor Booked (Obertan - 89' )
18 Gutierrez
20 Best (Lovenkrands - 77' )
23 Sh Ameobi
Substitutes
35 Elliot
14 Perch
31 Ferguson
13 Abeid
15 Gosling
25 Obertan
11 Lovenkrands
Ref: Dowd
Att: 20,817
Ryan Taylor's 12th minute shot took a heavy deflection off defender Dann and left keeper Paul Robinson helpless.
But Rovers were wasteful, not least when David Dunn missed a penalty after Danny Simpson fouled Anthony Modeste.
Newcastle's Leon Best headed against his own bar before substitute Obertan sealed victory in the dying moments.
Blackburn must be sick of the sight of Newcastle, having lost three of the four encounters between the teams in as many months.
And Rovers will wonder how they did not salvage at least a point in a game they dominated for long periods.
The worry for manager Steve Kean is that his side's next two away games are at Arsenal and Manchester City.
As for Newcastle, this was just the result Alan Pardew demanded after a 5-2 defeat at Fulham and FA Cup exit at Brighton.
Blackburn need influential defender Chris Samba, missing for the fourth successive match, back as soon as possible if they are to claw themselves out of trouble.
Samba has not featured since handing in a transfer request but Rovers, still without a clean sheet in a top-flight game this season, are clearly missing his presence in the back four.
Rovers went behind after a mix-up between Radosav Petrovic and Dann allowed Taylor to take a speculative shot from distance which deflected off Dann and deceived former England keeper Robinson.
It was cruel on the hosts who, for the remainder of the half, did everything but find the net.
Gael Givet had a volley cleared off the line by Simpson while Modeste, making his home debut after signing on loan from Bordeaux, and Junior Hoilett both went close before Leon Best headed against his own bar while trying to clear Morten Gamst-Pedersen's corner.
Petrovic was also unfortunate before tempers boiled over when Hoilett appeared to dive inside the Newcastle area. So incensed was Taylor by Hoilett's actions that the Newcastle player earned a booking from referee Phil Dowd.
Rovers were awarded a penalty two minutes before the break though, when referee Dowd awarded a penalty after Simpson barged into Modeste.
But Krul came to Newcastle's rescue by keeping out Dunn's weak spot-kick and the Dutch keeper was alert to save Givet's tame follow-up.
Use accessible player and disable flyout menus
Pardew praises Newcastle spirit after Blackburn win
Blackburn continued to create chances after the interval, with substitute Mauro Formica firing into the side-netting when he should have done better.
But their hopes were ended in injury time when substitute Obertan ended a quick break with the sort of clinical finish Rovers had been so sorely lacking.
Blackburn manager Steve Kean: "We've had enough chances to win three games. I think if you are trying to take positives out of the defeat then we are certainly making the chances but we just weren't ruthless enough.
"After Newcastle scored their deflected goal we dominated the reast of the first half and all of the second half. Performance wise we have to be happy with the way we played for the first 15 minutes, we controlled the game.
"So it is a tough one to take because we at least deserved a point, in fact I'd probably have been disappointed to have got a point. "I'll speak with Chris (Samba) on Thursday and it's been tough for him after wanting to leave. We're delighted he's still here and I'm sure he'll get back on it for us."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: "We had a bit of criticism about the Brighton game and we lost (Yohan) Cabaye, the two Senegal boys couldn't make it, and we still won.
"Great credit to the players and particularly to James Perch. I left him out even though he was excellent at Brighton. But he came into midfield for the second half and we looked a lot stronger in there.
"We've got such resolve in the squad. We've gone up to fifth - it's an outstanding achievement from this football club. To get a win on the back of Brighton was brilliant."
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)
Blackburn Rovers
01 Robinson
03 Mn Olsson
05 Givet
16 Dann
35 Lowe Booked
08 Dunn (Rochina - 78' )
12 Pedersen
14 Petrovic (Formica - 66' )
15 Nzonzi
23 Hoilett
09 Modeste
Substitutes
13 Bunn
31 Hanley
39 Henley
10 Formica
29 Vukcevic
19 Slew
20 Rochina
Newcastle United
26 Krul
02 Coloccini
03 Santon
05 Simpson
06 Williamson Booked
08 Guthrie
10 Ben Arfa (Perch - 46' )
16 R Taylor Booked (Obertan - 89' )
18 Gutierrez
20 Best (Lovenkrands - 77' )
23 Sh Ameobi
Substitutes
35 Elliot
14 Perch
31 Ferguson
13 Abeid
15 Gosling
25 Obertan
11 Lovenkrands
Ref: Dowd
Att: 20,817
sábado, 21 de enero de 2012
Everton 1 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
Not the atmosphere you generally want to create at your home ground, but that's what happens when you win just three of your first eleven home fixtures. I think at this point we can say with confidence that the home form of the Toffees has gone from a nagging worry to a full-blown crisis. Consider these results: lost to QPR, drew with Villa, lost to Stoke, drew with Norwich, lost to Bolton, drew with Blackburn. That's 15 points dropped right there, and that's simply not good enough for a team that has prided itself on making Goodison Park a fortress in past seasons. If Everton had recouped just 10 of those points, they would be tied for fifth place. That is astounding to me.
More on the match with Rovers after the jump...
Game thoughts...
- TIM CAHILL KICKED A FOOTBALL AND IT RESULTED IN EVERTON SCORING A GOAL!
- And I couldn't feel happier for the guy. Of course, it still doesn't change my opinion that it's probably nearing the time for Cahill to move on from the club, but for one moment it was just like old times for Everton: Cahill lashing the ball into the net from close range, the Australian celebrating at the corner flag in trademark fashion, and the Blues taking a 1-0 first-half lead against an inferior opponent at home. I also loved how you could see the support of his teammates and how much it meant to all of them. In a season lacking in memorable goals, that one brought a smile to my face.
- While I think that Victor Anichebe has the ability to play out wide in a pinch, when there are actually alternatives on the bench I think there's no need to force the issue. Magaye Gueye and Royston Drenthe both could have started, and Drenthe did much better than Victor after he was brought on early in the second half.
- I will admit though that Drenthe consistently seems to have better energy and more of an effect on the game when he's brought on as a substitute. Yeah, you could probably say that about most any player, but Drenthe in particular seems to have that extra burst when he's introduced later in the match. Ideally, you would have a strong enough team to utilize Drenthe as a super-sub talisman, but with the squad depth we have he's going to be pushed into the starting eleven more and more.
- I really don't know where to begin in analyzing Blackburn's goal. I suppose the blame has to fall on Tim Howard for his inability to make the catch, but really I thought that it was a pretty fluky goal and that Tim Cahill was quite unlucky to fire his clearance right into the path of the oncoming David Goodwillie. Also, there was a question of whether Howard was fouled by a leaping Steven N'Zonzi, so overall I really don't have too many complaints about the defending.
- What I am going to complain about, however, is the total lack of urgency Everton showed after going 1-0 up. Really, the entire game gave off the aura of a leisurely morning stroll more so than a Premier League football match. Blackburn came to play a strong, positive game I thought, and Everton just weren't up to the challenge of matching their willpower and hunger. The Blues were awfully fortunate to make it to the break a goal up, but it seemed like they failed to realize that and were unable push the tempo in the second half. Unfortunately, it's become a worrying trend this season: Everton allowing the opponent to dictate how the match is played, rather than forcing the opponent to conform to their game plan
- With all of that being said, Everton could have snatched all three points at the end, but a frantic series of goal-line clearances (and a few saves from Paul Robinson) ensured Blackburn would go home with the point they deserved.
Player Ratings
T. Howard - Even though he probably should have done better on the goal, he still had a good game in my book with a crucial early save and some brilliant distribution. 7
P. Neville - Solid as usual when he plays right back. Even came close to netting a rare goal. 6
S. Duffy - Really enjoying watching this kid play. He'll make his mistakes, but he's still learning and looks Premier League worthy already. Also struck the crossbar from a Baines free kick. 8
J. Heitinga - No complaints, did just fine. 6
L. Baines - Certainly played well enough. It's a mark of his greatness that a performance like today's could be seen as a slight disappointment. 7
L. Donovan - Had a weird day; sometimes he looked like the best player on the pitch, but he also made several silly mistakes with the ball. 6
D. Gibson (Stracqualursi 86) - Had another steady game for the most part. 6
M. Fellaini - Sure, he probably handled the ball to allow Cahill to tally, but it was subtle enough that he got away with it and he was unlucky not to score himself later on. Finally getting forward more. 8
V. Anichebe (Vellios 79) - Just didn't look up for it today. Should have been subbed earlier. 5
T. Cahill - Should go without saying that he had his best game in ages, and the goal seemed to galvanize him. 7
L. Saha (Drenthe 53) - The usual disclaimer about his lack of service, but he was soooooo quiet today you barely knew he was there. 4
R. Drenthe (substitute 53) - Ran at defenders and at the least offered more than Anichebe in the attacking half. 6
A. Vellios (substitute 79) - Failed to have much of an impact on the game. 5
D. Stracqualursi (substitute 86) - Did well in very limited action, winning a few aerial challenges. 6
More on the match with Rovers after the jump...
Game thoughts...
- TIM CAHILL KICKED A FOOTBALL AND IT RESULTED IN EVERTON SCORING A GOAL!
- And I couldn't feel happier for the guy. Of course, it still doesn't change my opinion that it's probably nearing the time for Cahill to move on from the club, but for one moment it was just like old times for Everton: Cahill lashing the ball into the net from close range, the Australian celebrating at the corner flag in trademark fashion, and the Blues taking a 1-0 first-half lead against an inferior opponent at home. I also loved how you could see the support of his teammates and how much it meant to all of them. In a season lacking in memorable goals, that one brought a smile to my face.
- While I think that Victor Anichebe has the ability to play out wide in a pinch, when there are actually alternatives on the bench I think there's no need to force the issue. Magaye Gueye and Royston Drenthe both could have started, and Drenthe did much better than Victor after he was brought on early in the second half.
- I will admit though that Drenthe consistently seems to have better energy and more of an effect on the game when he's brought on as a substitute. Yeah, you could probably say that about most any player, but Drenthe in particular seems to have that extra burst when he's introduced later in the match. Ideally, you would have a strong enough team to utilize Drenthe as a super-sub talisman, but with the squad depth we have he's going to be pushed into the starting eleven more and more.
- I really don't know where to begin in analyzing Blackburn's goal. I suppose the blame has to fall on Tim Howard for his inability to make the catch, but really I thought that it was a pretty fluky goal and that Tim Cahill was quite unlucky to fire his clearance right into the path of the oncoming David Goodwillie. Also, there was a question of whether Howard was fouled by a leaping Steven N'Zonzi, so overall I really don't have too many complaints about the defending.
- What I am going to complain about, however, is the total lack of urgency Everton showed after going 1-0 up. Really, the entire game gave off the aura of a leisurely morning stroll more so than a Premier League football match. Blackburn came to play a strong, positive game I thought, and Everton just weren't up to the challenge of matching their willpower and hunger. The Blues were awfully fortunate to make it to the break a goal up, but it seemed like they failed to realize that and were unable push the tempo in the second half. Unfortunately, it's become a worrying trend this season: Everton allowing the opponent to dictate how the match is played, rather than forcing the opponent to conform to their game plan
- With all of that being said, Everton could have snatched all three points at the end, but a frantic series of goal-line clearances (and a few saves from Paul Robinson) ensured Blackburn would go home with the point they deserved.
Player Ratings
T. Howard - Even though he probably should have done better on the goal, he still had a good game in my book with a crucial early save and some brilliant distribution. 7
P. Neville - Solid as usual when he plays right back. Even came close to netting a rare goal. 6
S. Duffy - Really enjoying watching this kid play. He'll make his mistakes, but he's still learning and looks Premier League worthy already. Also struck the crossbar from a Baines free kick. 8
J. Heitinga - No complaints, did just fine. 6
L. Baines - Certainly played well enough. It's a mark of his greatness that a performance like today's could be seen as a slight disappointment. 7
L. Donovan - Had a weird day; sometimes he looked like the best player on the pitch, but he also made several silly mistakes with the ball. 6
D. Gibson (Stracqualursi 86) - Had another steady game for the most part. 6
M. Fellaini - Sure, he probably handled the ball to allow Cahill to tally, but it was subtle enough that he got away with it and he was unlucky not to score himself later on. Finally getting forward more. 8
V. Anichebe (Vellios 79) - Just didn't look up for it today. Should have been subbed earlier. 5
T. Cahill - Should go without saying that he had his best game in ages, and the goal seemed to galvanize him. 7
L. Saha (Drenthe 53) - The usual disclaimer about his lack of service, but he was soooooo quiet today you barely knew he was there. 4
R. Drenthe (substitute 53) - Ran at defenders and at the least offered more than Anichebe in the attacking half. 6
A. Vellios (substitute 79) - Failed to have much of an impact on the game. 5
D. Stracqualursi (substitute 86) - Did well in very limited action, winning a few aerial challenges. 6
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)