Blackburn Rovers staged a real late comeback at the DW Stadium through Yakubu’s penalty in the 99th minute. A draw- Not exactly what we wanted, but something we needed! All Rovers supports would have been hoping to pick up 3 very important points but all we could snatch is 1 point.
An excellent start at Wigan could have made fans feel a victory that could turn Blackburn Rovers fortunes for this season. An early chip goal by Yakubu saw Blackburn go ahead of a disgruntled Wigan Athletic. Paul Robinson’s master-class goal kick was headed on by Dunn, and Steven Nzonzi’s mis-placed pass leading to a terrible miss from Wigan Captain, Gary Caldwell, saw Yakubu finish it very wel as he lifted it over the keeper and into the net.
Everyone would have been delighted, but not for long. As it has been proved this season, Rovers cannot maintain a lead for more than 10 minuted for most of the times. Wigan Athletic equalised just six minutes later.Since then it was all defending for Rovers,until Pedersen well struck free-kick hit the post and fell back into play. Rovers defence was shambolic, worst i have seen for the last one year atleast.
Just past the half hour and Wigan’s turnaround was complete. Jodi Gomez sent a corner from the left into the area and as a static Rovers defence stood and watched, Gary Caldwell atoned from his earlier error to head into the back of the net. Wigan Athletic continued to maintain a threat to the Rovers goal. Rovers just couldnt keep upto to Vicotr Moses’ pace. He was excellent throughout the first half but had missed two golden opportunities to put the game to bed in the first half itself. Luckily, for Rovers, the half time whistle couldnt have come at a better time.
Rovers job was made even more difficult in the second half when David Dunn was awarded a second yellow resulting to a Red card for a half-tackle on Diame. The hour mark saw Rovers get back on level terms via a controversial corner.Whether the referee thought Yakubu had taken a corner kick on the left remains to be seen but he looked away as Morten Gamst Pedersen dribbled the ball from the corner flag into the area before firing it across goal. Ali Al Habsi got a hand to the ball but only to divert it up for a gleeful Junior Hoilett who headed home from two yards.
Rovers played delightfully. They looked a far better team in the second half even with 10 men.
Rovers failed to go in front with a gilt-edged chance when Yakubu drove the ball past the keeper and was ready to put Rovers infront until a timely interception from a Wigan defender. Two minutes later, Paul Robbo made a fantastic save to keep Rovers’ hopes alive. It was a blinder. A cross from the left Rodallega in front of the goal but his first time shot was superbly kept out.
Just when it seemed that it was all Rovers, Wigan grabbed a crucial third goal against the run of play through Albert Crusat’s long strike that crept under Paul Robinson and into the back of the net. It was a bitter blow for Rovers after the ten men did so well to get back into the game the way they did.
The hig-drama match certainly didnt end there. Six minutes into stoppage time, a Rovers corner saw Paul Robinson head forward for the corner. The corner was kept out and as Robbo tried to head the ball, Dave Jones, kicked Jones high legged tackle hit the Rovers Captain on the head only for a late penalty. The refree had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
The pen. was left for Yakubu to hold his nerve and cool as you like, he stroked the ball into the back of the net with Al Habsi diving in the opposite direction.
Yes, The Spirit in the Rovers camp is certainly high and with performances like the one in the second half are sure to come some points. An emphatic second half performance from a spirited 10 men Rovers’ saw them grab a late point at the DW Stadium. A much needed point on their travels.
KEEP THE FAITH!!!
Umm, Mate, look the thing is they have put trust in him which is the rong thing. But now, the right thing is, that they are continously backing the manager. In India, I certainly believe if not bout being rewarded for failure, Indian people keep their words. Very soon, I expect a turn around. I am more optimistic than most of the people i know. And I am sure its gonna be an interesting 2 months at Ewood Park from this weekend onwards!
I’m sorry to say that under Venkys Blackburn are going nowhere except down to reward a failure (Steve Kean) with a pay rise really does bring their judgement into question. Do companies in India really reward failure?? It is a question that I would like the footballing public of India t answer. Thank you.
Matey, I am sure, the second half performance was a total different Rovers side. And it is mentioned that it was an emphatic second half per. I am sure, it was a gutted display. And the title speaks for the article.!
“An emphatic second half performance from a spirited 10 men Rovers’ saw them grab a late point at the DW Stadium” you were played off the park if Wigan could finish especialy Moses they could have had 6