Two Points Lost

[Alan75]

Rovers 0 Spurs 0

I suspect that the media this morning will centre on Lucas Neill’s sending off after collecting two yellow cards in last nights game against Spurs, and regrettably no mention will be made of the fact the Rovers dominated the game throughout. Whilst Rovers attacked the Spurs goal throughout the game, apart from having to make one save from Andy Reid, Brad Friedel was a virtual spectator for the entire game.

Similar to Saturday against Fulham, Rovers controlled the game from midfield, it was just unfortunate that they weren’t able to capitalise on their dominance in front of goal, with Kuqi being the biggest culprit, in missed opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. In his defence, this was only his third game at this level and he needs to acclimatises to the speed of the premiership. For effort and commitment he deserves ten out of ten, which hopefully will be rewarded soon with a goal.

After going 53 consecutive league games without being rewarded a penalty, the rule was relaxed last season, however I see the FA ruling regarding the issuing of Rovers a penalty is back in force this season. Evident last night when both Kuqi and Emerton claims for a penalty were dismissed by the referee.

Fortunately Neill’s sending off, leaving Rovers only with 10 men, didn’t result in a defeat, however up until that point Rovers had been masters of their own destiny, the more the game went on the more likely Rovers looked like taking maximum points.

Even with the Davids and Defoe on as second half substitutes, Spurs looked very mediocre and showed no threat to the Rovers, which would indicate that either Spurs are in a false place in the league or the Rovers entertaining performance against Fulham was no flash in the pan. The question may be answered this weekend when Rovers travel to Villa Park, when hopefully we can sweep the memory of the dismal display against West Ham under the carpet, as being a one off poor performance.

Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Todd (Mokoena 81), Nelsen, Matteo, Tugay, Emerton, Savage, Reid, Pedersen, Kuqi (Johnson 87).

Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Jansen, Gresko.

Sent Off: Neill (76).

Booked: Neill, Savage.

Spurs: Robinson, Stalteri, Dawson, Gardner, Edman, Tainio, Pedro Mendes (Defoe 81), Brown, Reid, Mido (Davids 53), Keane.

Subs Not Used: Naybet, Cerny, Carrick.

Booked: Dawson, Davids.

Att: 22,375

Ref: D Gallagher

Fans comments Click Here...from page 8.