Blackburn Rovers have been quietly going about business this season, with Mark Hughes making the most from unremarkable resources. Now they are beginning to receive the attention and credit that there play has been deserving of. Currently they lie 5th in the table, level on 21 points with Chelsea but with a game in hand over the Londoners and 3rd place Man City. Indeed a win in their home game against Liverpool in next Saturday’s 5.15pm kick off could lift Rovers to 3rd.
Transfer Guile
They have lost just once this season, 1-0 to Portsmouth, and a few wise signings have given Mark Hughes real optimism for the season ahead. It is a shame that their European campaign went so disastrously awry against minnows Larissa of Greece, or they would have fancied their chances of making decent headway in the competition. With players such as Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz, Rovers have an attack to rival any in the Premiership and further a field for that matter. Stephen Warnock has proved a surprise bargain buy. A fringe player at Liverpool and rarely talked of, he has come to Ewood Park and performed very well, both going forward and in defence.
Another defensive signing, surely Hughes’ most satisfying of the lot has to be Christopher Samba, who has emerged from almost nowhere and been excellent so far this season. The six foot 3 Congolese arrived from Hertha Berlin and has settled well alongside Ryan Nelson at the back. Samba is an immense presence - tall, stocky and very strong he has taken to the Premiership like a duck to water. He is a Mark Hughes type of player through and through, and showed great bravery going in where it hurts against Chelsea, receiving a concussing kick to the head for his trouble. Great ability in the air because of his height, it makes Samba a useful asset for set pieces as well as in defence. The fans love him too, and he endeared himself no end when he scored a splendid 90th minute winner at White hart Lane for a 2-1 win.
Mehodical Approach
Hughes has built his team gradually at Rovers and he has been given the time to do so by his board and the patience is now being rewarded. When Hughes took over from Graeme Souness there was some dead wood in the squad and several ageing players past their prime (Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, etc). He saw that first he needed to tighten up the defence and made it his primary task to turn Blackburn into a tough team who were hard to beat. Robbie Savage, Andy Todd, and Ryan Nelson were the heart of this consensus and it soon began to work. When Hughes used his Welsh connections to sign Craig Bellamy they also found a regular source of goals. Rovers were inevitably tagged as a ‘rough-house’ team that bullied opponents and played little football on the deck although this was something that Hughes was prepared to put up with for the time being. Hughes appears to have a very methodical approach to management; he sets himself disciplined targets and solely focuses on them until they are achieved. With Premiership attackers cowering away from their rugged defence and midfield, he began to develop Blackburn’s creative game and focused on utilising the potential of his talented wide players.
Morten Gamst Pedersen arrived in 2004 and has now played well for a number of seasons, becoming a solid and reliable Premiership player, also occasionally providing the odd wonder goal from his left foot. But it is what Hughes has done with David Bentley that is most impressive though. Given a first team berth at Rovers that he desperately wanted at Arsenal but was never going to be permitted with the likes of Robert Pires around, Bentley’s confidence has soared. He has the capacity to bewitch the very best of players as he showed with a hat-trick against Man Utd in his first season at Ewood Park. And this season he has shown the consistency that was lacking in previous years and has finally broken into the full England squad. Bentley has such an array of tricks that he nearly always succeeds in creating the half a yard of space needed to get his crosses in, which are usually excellent. With a trustworthy and reliable target such as Santa Cruz in the box, Bentley knows just where and when to deliver the ball in. Hughes revitalised the self-belief in the winger and Bentley now often takes the opportunity to strike at goal from distance, with some success. The only slight concern with Bentley is his temperament and he is still booed by opposing fans for snubbing an England U21 call up in the summer.
Lucky Strike
It may be down to having a successful career as an attacking player that Hughes has a knack of identifying and attracting very high quality strikers to the club. In any case he has a great track record. Benni McCarthy, looking stale at Porto, proved a revelation when he arrived, much the same as Roque Santa Cruz has done so far this term. He is also carefully nurturing the development of Matt Derbyshire, using him to great effect as a substitute on many occasions but importantly keeping him hungry and not disillusioned. Derbyshire has also played very well for the England U21’s where he has a good scoring record and looks to be a natural finisher.
Blackburn Rovers now have three games which will test just how far this team have progressed and may determine the fate of their season. On Wednesday they have chance to avenge their defeat to Portsmouth when the two meet o nth e Carling Cup, before Saturday’s visit of Liverpool. After this they play Hughes’ old team Man Utd at Old Trafford where the manager will really want to impress his managerial development.
Monday 29 October 2007
Weekly Round Up
The Big Four
A busy weekend of Premiership action saw a smattering of goals and some good results for all of the big four. Chelsea suddenly sprung to life, the newly installed attacking impetus under Avram Grant’s regime appearing to take shape as they destroyed a bewildered Man City 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. Man Utd continued their habit of plundering 4 goals past opponents when, for the fourth time in successive matches they reached this target, comfortably dispatching Middlesbrough 4-1 at Old Trafford. Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney’s partnership looks ever more devastating each time they play and they again both scored. Liverpool and Arsenal shared the spoils at Anfield in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Cesc Fabregas finally equalised Steven Gerrard’s 7th minute opener for Arsenal in the 80th after spurning several chances. The draw halted a run of 12 straight wins for Arsenal and also keeps Liverpool in the title race.
Midtable Mini League
Blackburn’s season continues to go from strength to strength after they snatched a 2-1 away win at struggling Tottenham. New Spurs boss Juande Ramos watched from the stand as Christopher Samba struck an unstoppable shot in the last minute to give Rovers a win that lifts them to 5th in the league. Should they win their game in hand they could go 3rd in front of Man City and Chelsea. Portsmouth might have gone 4th had they not missed a last minute penalty at home against West Ham. The final score of 0-0 was a fair reflection on the match, where Nobby Solano missed the two best chances of the match, twice fluffing headers with the goal gaping. Harry Redknapp was left fuming at the final whistle though as designated penalty taker Sulley Muntari had the ball wrestled from him by team mate Benjani. The inform striker promptly scuffed his shot tamely to the welcome arms of Robert Green and Pompey lie 7th. ‘I gave him a bollocking. Even if Benjani scored I would have given him a bollocking, he’s not meant to take the penalties. I called him a silly boy and he’s upset now.’ said Redknapp.
Gary Megson got off to a satisfying start to management at Bolton Wanderers with a creditable draw against Aston Villa. In a mini-league of mid-table clubs below the top 6 Villa have become a strong asset and Megson will be pleased with the commitment and desire shown by his new team. Nicholas Anelka opened the scoring on 22 minutes with a delightfully curled free kick, nestling just outside Stuart Taylor’s grasp in the top left corner. Megson was quick to praise his star player after the match, ‘Nicholas is a fantastic footballer. He’s a great boy and a really determined model professional.’ He will hope these kind words will help Anelka, who thrives on and constantly covets praise, to continue his great form and remain at the club until at least the end of the season. Villa got level through somewhat fortuitous circumstances when referee and linesman contradicted each other over a throw-in decision. It left Bolton out of position and Agbonlahor took full advantage, scorching down the right before cutting inside and blasting a left foot drive towards goal. The ball hit team mate Luke Moore and flew into the net more by luck than judgement.
The Six Pointers
Towards the bottom of the table two hard-fought home wins for Birmingham City 3-2 over Wigan Athletic and Reading 2-1 over Newcastle Utd helped give the clubs some much needed breathing space, and notably for Bruce, ease the tension surrounding his future. So tense and uncomfortable was Bruce, that when his side were awarded a penalty he went back into the dressing room unable to watch. Olivier Kapo converted and Bruce came straight back out in what was a bizarre display, with prospective new owner Carson Yeung looking on. His nerves were tested until the very end before Kapo scored his second of the game in the closing stages to secure the win. Wigan will feel aggrieved to have left St. Andrews with nothing after twice leading through Marcus Bent strikes. Reading recorded a decent victory over a more organized and disciplined looking Newcastle side. Dave Kitson opened the scoring with a sweet left foot effort from outside the box which gave Shay Given no chance. As the ball came into him from the left he used the direction of the ball’s roll to side foot a sweeping shot that curled away into the far top corner. For all Newcastle’s composed play and slight edge in possession they did not create many chances, with Owen again quiet for the Magpies. It took an own goal for them to draw level, Michael Duberry inadvertently flicking home a cross from the right. A piece of either tactical mastery, or strategic gambling won the day, as Steve Coppell threw on striker Shane Long for Leroy Lita, who had missed some gilt edged chances. Long jogged up field, controlled Nicky Shorey’s long free kick and lashed the ball in the roof of the net, scoring within 10 seconds of coming on.
Sunderland and Fulham shared a point each at the Stadium of Light, a result which neither would have wanted but didn’t dare lose. Kenwyne Jones equalised for Roy Keane’s men with a clever back header in the final few minutes to salvage a point for the ten men. Full back Greg Halford was sent off for the 2nd time this season early in the second half and Sunderland showed great spirit to come back, as they had trailed 1-0 to Simon Davies’ 32nd minute opener. Shaping up to deliver a cross into the box, Davies, 35 yards out, cheekily bent a shot towards the near post of the unsuspecting Craig Gordon. Gordon will not be happy to let the Welshman score from so far out and his form has been erratic of late, but Davies’ free kick was cleverly disguised. Derby County are now rock bottom of the league after succumbing to a 2-0 home defeat to Everton. The Toffees had too much quality and strength for Derby and there was only ever going to be one winner. Mikel Arteta and Yakubu scored the goals, one in each half.
A busy weekend of Premiership action saw a smattering of goals and some good results for all of the big four. Chelsea suddenly sprung to life, the newly installed attacking impetus under Avram Grant’s regime appearing to take shape as they destroyed a bewildered Man City 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. Man Utd continued their habit of plundering 4 goals past opponents when, for the fourth time in successive matches they reached this target, comfortably dispatching Middlesbrough 4-1 at Old Trafford. Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney’s partnership looks ever more devastating each time they play and they again both scored. Liverpool and Arsenal shared the spoils at Anfield in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Cesc Fabregas finally equalised Steven Gerrard’s 7th minute opener for Arsenal in the 80th after spurning several chances. The draw halted a run of 12 straight wins for Arsenal and also keeps Liverpool in the title race.
Midtable Mini League
Blackburn’s season continues to go from strength to strength after they snatched a 2-1 away win at struggling Tottenham. New Spurs boss Juande Ramos watched from the stand as Christopher Samba struck an unstoppable shot in the last minute to give Rovers a win that lifts them to 5th in the league. Should they win their game in hand they could go 3rd in front of Man City and Chelsea. Portsmouth might have gone 4th had they not missed a last minute penalty at home against West Ham. The final score of 0-0 was a fair reflection on the match, where Nobby Solano missed the two best chances of the match, twice fluffing headers with the goal gaping. Harry Redknapp was left fuming at the final whistle though as designated penalty taker Sulley Muntari had the ball wrestled from him by team mate Benjani. The inform striker promptly scuffed his shot tamely to the welcome arms of Robert Green and Pompey lie 7th. ‘I gave him a bollocking. Even if Benjani scored I would have given him a bollocking, he’s not meant to take the penalties. I called him a silly boy and he’s upset now.’ said Redknapp.
Gary Megson got off to a satisfying start to management at Bolton Wanderers with a creditable draw against Aston Villa. In a mini-league of mid-table clubs below the top 6 Villa have become a strong asset and Megson will be pleased with the commitment and desire shown by his new team. Nicholas Anelka opened the scoring on 22 minutes with a delightfully curled free kick, nestling just outside Stuart Taylor’s grasp in the top left corner. Megson was quick to praise his star player after the match, ‘Nicholas is a fantastic footballer. He’s a great boy and a really determined model professional.’ He will hope these kind words will help Anelka, who thrives on and constantly covets praise, to continue his great form and remain at the club until at least the end of the season. Villa got level through somewhat fortuitous circumstances when referee and linesman contradicted each other over a throw-in decision. It left Bolton out of position and Agbonlahor took full advantage, scorching down the right before cutting inside and blasting a left foot drive towards goal. The ball hit team mate Luke Moore and flew into the net more by luck than judgement.
The Six Pointers
Towards the bottom of the table two hard-fought home wins for Birmingham City 3-2 over Wigan Athletic and Reading 2-1 over Newcastle Utd helped give the clubs some much needed breathing space, and notably for Bruce, ease the tension surrounding his future. So tense and uncomfortable was Bruce, that when his side were awarded a penalty he went back into the dressing room unable to watch. Olivier Kapo converted and Bruce came straight back out in what was a bizarre display, with prospective new owner Carson Yeung looking on. His nerves were tested until the very end before Kapo scored his second of the game in the closing stages to secure the win. Wigan will feel aggrieved to have left St. Andrews with nothing after twice leading through Marcus Bent strikes. Reading recorded a decent victory over a more organized and disciplined looking Newcastle side. Dave Kitson opened the scoring with a sweet left foot effort from outside the box which gave Shay Given no chance. As the ball came into him from the left he used the direction of the ball’s roll to side foot a sweeping shot that curled away into the far top corner. For all Newcastle’s composed play and slight edge in possession they did not create many chances, with Owen again quiet for the Magpies. It took an own goal for them to draw level, Michael Duberry inadvertently flicking home a cross from the right. A piece of either tactical mastery, or strategic gambling won the day, as Steve Coppell threw on striker Shane Long for Leroy Lita, who had missed some gilt edged chances. Long jogged up field, controlled Nicky Shorey’s long free kick and lashed the ball in the roof of the net, scoring within 10 seconds of coming on.
Sunderland and Fulham shared a point each at the Stadium of Light, a result which neither would have wanted but didn’t dare lose. Kenwyne Jones equalised for Roy Keane’s men with a clever back header in the final few minutes to salvage a point for the ten men. Full back Greg Halford was sent off for the 2nd time this season early in the second half and Sunderland showed great spirit to come back, as they had trailed 1-0 to Simon Davies’ 32nd minute opener. Shaping up to deliver a cross into the box, Davies, 35 yards out, cheekily bent a shot towards the near post of the unsuspecting Craig Gordon. Gordon will not be happy to let the Welshman score from so far out and his form has been erratic of late, but Davies’ free kick was cleverly disguised. Derby County are now rock bottom of the league after succumbing to a 2-0 home defeat to Everton. The Toffees had too much quality and strength for Derby and there was only ever going to be one winner. Mikel Arteta and Yakubu scored the goals, one in each half.
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