Many a times this season, Blackburn Rovers have been down, be it ‘on the pitch’ or ‘off the pitch’. Despite that, Steve Kean’s side have been brave enough to take all the crap going on off the pitch and in the last one week they’ve turned their performances significantly, Against Tottenham, Newcastle United and now against Norwich. All these performances were entertaining. But fortune has been against these Brave men with a late penalty (Clearly not a Penalty) awarded to Norwich to settle scores with Rovers and earn an undeserved point.
Steve Kean’s side started the game better than many would have expected. When attacking, they were always a threat to Norwich City’s goal. Norwich City were a threat in counter-attacks as well and they could have been in front, had it not been for Paul Robinson’s classy save. Rovers had to wait for their first goal, but not until the second half, A first half stoppage time shot from Junior Hoilett saw the ball fly into the top corner and Rovers were deservedly ahead.
Norwich City started the second half on the front foot and to show for all the possession and pressing they had in the second half, a more than impressive effort from Steve Morison got them back on level with Rovers.
But Blackburn Rovers did not let their heads down and give up but instead they attacked all the more.
The game looked all but over when Blackburn Rovers struck twice in two minutes to make it 3-1. Yakubu got Rovers 2-1 ahead with a goal from a very tight angle. The Norwich keeper should have done better and held on to the ball, but The Yak struck the ball with venom. A minute later, Morten Gamst Pedersen’s free kick provided the perfect assist for a Chris Samba header and the ball flew into the net. Job done? Not yet…
Rovers matches are never over until the final whistle and yes, it was proved once again. On 82 minutes, Bradley Johnson’s effort took a huge deflection and Paul Robinson could do nothing but see the ball go into the net. It was 3-2. In the final few minutes, it was all Norwich, but Rovers held on, until four minutes into stoppage time when Steven Nzonzi was adjudged to have handeld the ball and awarded Norwich a penalty to make nightmares for Rovers come true. Grant Holt stepped and did the needful for his side. It was 3-3. A referee mistake cost Blackburn Rovers 2 points. Rovers were dumbfounded.
It was another point on their travels, but it should have been three. Lets for once, not blame Steve Kean and blame our misfortune. It was an excellent performance from Blackburn Rovers side. And i can speculate many such coming.!
