[Archived] West Brom v Blackburn Rovers

[riverside returns]

What a jolly good day out!

Some beer and food on the trip down, a stop at our usual haunt in Walsall and then the football.

I have noticed the following over the last three games and make observations that in each of the games, the attempt to pass the ball on the ground and to feet has been getting better each time. Against West Ham, it was plain to see that there was confusion on players faces as they tried to go against 2 years of coaching. Against Stoke, there were some good passages of play in the first half but Stoke imposed their own hoof ball on us in the second half and nullified attemtps.

Yesterday, there were clear signs that the players were actually enjoying the idea of passing and moving, Dunn excepted, who had the turning circle and acceleration of the QE2.

The change to a clear 442 is good and should we be fortunate enough to get a good defensive central midfield player that will allow either pederson or dunn to roam, then we will be much tighter. Of course teams will be able to retain possession as we have not got the Savage type player who will press and harry for 90 minutes, we just have to adapt to the new ways and defend as if our life depends on it.

The defensive future is bright, Hanley had an outstanding game yesterday and the smile was on his face to replace the look of horror at the boos after the stoke game. He and Jones will become immense as a pairing.

Hoilett needs a run of games, Diouf Mk 1 was excellent at ball retention. The forwards were excellent until the sending off and even then, Diouf Mk 2 continued to run at them.It was a pleasure to watch a game of 'football' away from home and to see us score 3 well, that is unheard of.

I get the impression that the board sacked Sam at the time to allow Kean to embed football during the 'easier' games so that when we start to face the big boys, we will already have it imprinted on the brain on how to pass and play!

Looking forward to seeing who we can get in and how they improve things.

Thanks for the day, it was great at last to be a Rover.

[imy9]

Paul- top post.

[daveoftherovers]

What a jolly good day out!

Some beer and food on the trip down, a stop at our usual haunt in Walsall and then the football.

I have noticed the following over the last three games and make observations that in each of the games, the attempt to pass the ball on the ground and to feet has been getting better each time. Against West Ham, it was plain to see that there was confusion on players faces as they tried to go against 2 years of coaching. Against Stoke, there were some good passages of play in the first half but Stoke imposed their own hoof ball on us in the second half and nullified attemtps.

Yesterday, there were clear signs that the players were actually enjoying the idea of passing and moving, Dunn excepted, who had the turning circle and acceleration of the QE2.

The change to a clear 442 is good and should we be fortunate enough to get a good defensive central midfield player that will allow either pederson or dunn to roam, then we will be much tighter. Of course teams will be able to retain possession as we have not got the Savage type player who will press and harry for 90 minutes, we just have to adapt to the new ways and defend as if our life depends on it.

The defensive future is bright, Hanley had an outstanding game yesterday and the smile was on his face to replace the look of horror at the boos after the stoke game. He and Jones will become immense as a pairing.

Hoilett needs a run of games, Diouf Mk 1 was excellent at ball retention. The forwards were excellent until the sending off and even then, Diouf Mk 2 continued to run at them.It was a pleasure to watch a game of 'football' away from home and to see us score 3 well, that is unheard of.

I get the impression that the board sacked Sam at the time to allow Kean to embed football during the 'easier' games so that when we start to face the big boys, we will already have it imprinted on the brain on how to pass and play!

Looking forward to seeing who we can get in and how they improve things.

Thanks for the day, it was great at last to be a Rover.

Great Post, thanks for the insight into the away day perception.

[Exiled_Rover]

Yep Bolton was the most winnable of those games given the circumstances ie injuries and Bolton being down to 10, 3 points dropped there.

It's all if's and but's though.

Why did Bunn get booked yet last week Stoke got away with time wasting constantly, bloody inconsistent refs.

Some funny points from the highlights, namely Diouf's comedy pantomime villain exit and Keans reaction to the foul on MB Diouf would love a gif of that.

The worst part was, the ref was ushering Olsson off the pitch (after being stamped on) during all the time Bunn was meant to be 'time wasting'.

[Parsonblue]

For the first time since Sam was sacked the players looked really up for yesterday's game. Although it was an excellent win, in fairness, I thought WBA played some excellent football but for all their intricate passing they had no punch were it mattered - in the box. It was somewhat ironic that our second and third goals were typical 'Big Sam' type goals where we got on the end of crosses and won the second ball.

I thought Kean, who I have been critical of in the past two games, got his tactics spot on yesterday. When we reverted to the tried and trusted 4-5-1 we looked far more comfortable as it gave Dunny more cover in the centre of midfield. The difference was that the players in midfield got in and around Kalinic much quicker than we have in the past. I thought both the Diouf's had excellent games in different ways. Mame Biram used his pace well and was always a threat while El-Hadji held the ball up and used it tellingly - he was a constant thorn in the side of the West Brom players and clearly is still very much a Rover through and through despite the departure of his mentor.

Young Hanley had another good game and Nelsen was excellent at the centre of defence. He tutored Hanley through the game and organised the defence - a real captain's display.

Kalinic looked better than he has done for months. I believe Kean asked him to play a slightly different role, playing on the shoulder of the last defender and looking to get in behind rather than playing with his back to goal. He certainly looked a better player before blotting his copybook with a rash challenge.

A word of praise for Mark Bunn, who I have always been impressed with whenever I've watched him in the Reserves. He was outstanding in the second half and made a number of brilliant saves. He also commanded his area and came out to collect crosses in a confident manner which helped relieve the pressure on the back four.

It was an unexpected but very welcome three points and gives us a little bit of breathing space in what is turning out to be an fascinating relegation battle which seems to involve over half of the League.

[philipl]

At last the press makes good reading this morning:

Independent

Guardian

Mirror reporter catches chicken puns from nicko

[Majiball]

You believe the website, I'll believe Kean's own words on Talksport.

Nevermind......

[philipl]

For the first time since Sam was sacked the players looked really up for yesterday's game. Although it was an excellent win, in fairness, I thought WBA played some excellent football but for all their intricate passing they had no punch were it mattered - in the box. It was somewhat ironic that our second and third goals were typical 'Big Sam' type goals where we got on the end of crosses and won the second ball.

I thought Kean, who I have been critical of in the past two games, got his tactics spot on yesterday. When we reverted to the tried and trusted 4-5-1 we looked far more comfortable as it gave Dunny more cover in the centre of midfield. The difference was that the players in midfield got in and around Kalinic much quicker than we have in the past. I thought both the Diouf's had excellent games in different ways. Mame Biram used his pace well and was always a threat while El-Hadji held the ball up and used it tellingly - he was a constant thorn in the side of the West Brom players and clearly is still very much a Rover through and through despite the departure of his mentor.

Young Hanley had another good game and Nelsen was excellent at the centre of defence. He tutored Hanley through the game and organised the defence - a real captain's display.

Kalinic looked better than he has done for months. I believe Kean asked him to play a slightly different role, playing on the shoulder of the last defender and looking to get in behind rather than playing with his back to goal. He certainly looked a better player before blotting his copybook with a rash challenge.

A word of praise for Mark Bunn, who I have always been impressed with whenever I've watched him in the Reserves. He was outstanding in the second half and made a number of brilliant saves. He also commanded his area and came out to collect crosses in a confident manner which helped relieve the pressure on the back four.

It was an unexpected but very welcome three points and gives us a little bit of breathing space in what is turning out to be an fascinating relegation battle which seems to involve over half of the League.

Really appreciated reading this post and the ones from paul and riverside returns. Thanks guys.

[Amo]

Well..we beat Blackpool away who are doing far better than West Brom are doing. We also beat Newcastle away who are on the same level of points. A point at City of Manchester is also as good a result as a win at a lot of other places. Granted we lost away to Birmingham this season (but performance merited a win) along with Stoke, Bolton, Man U and Liverpool, but under Sam a win here would have been possible for sure, though it wasn't the likely result that it would've been in the last two home games.

No, no. Individual results don't matter. It's Sam's away form as a whole which comes into question. You can't have it both ways, you know.

His away form was appalling for Rovers and we'd surrender points more often than not. I'd imagine Sam would have tried to stop WBA playing and we'd have been lucky to come away with a point.

[47er]

I notice that whenever the question of Sam's transfer dealings is discussed, people list Diouf (EH) as an example of a flop. I honestly do not understand why. He was absolutely brilliant today at what he does best, retains the ball, hardly ever gives it away and eases the pressure on the defence by all the needless free-kicks he draws. I also think his winding up of opponents and their reaction heightens the tempo and gets the crowd going and revs his own team-mates up. He also lost his marker for the short corner that led to the goal--his assist.

He plays with passion and his celebration of the win proves he is not just a mercenary as some claim.

I think we missed him against Stoke and for 2M ( a Championship fee) he has to be regarded as an outstanding success.

[Roost]

I notice that whenever the question of Sam's transfer dealings is discussed, people list Diouf (EH) as an example of a flop. I honestly do not understand why. He was absolutely brilliant today at what he does best, retains the ball, hardly ever gives it away and eases the pressure on the defence by all the needless free-kicks he draws. I also think his winding up of opponents and their reaction heightens the tempo and gets the crowd going and revs his own team-mates up. He also lost his marker for the short corner that led to the goal--his assist.

He plays with passion and his celebration of the win proves he is not just a mercenary as some claim.

I think we missed him against Stoke and for 2M ( a Championship fee) he has to be regarded as an outstanding success.

I couldnt agree more 47er - I was at the game yesterday and he revved us up, their fans up, wound their players up and worked really well with Pederson. He even had a go at their trainer when he came on to deal with Lazarus who went down like he had broken his leg.

As we were leaving I was talking to a steward who was a baggie and he said he wished they had EHD even though he hates him!

For what we paid I would say it was one of SA's best buys.

[47er]

I couldnt agree more 47er - I was at the game yesterday and he revved us up, their fans up, wound their players up and worked really well with Pederson. He even had a go at their trainer when he came on to deal with Lazarus who went down like he had broken his leg.

As we were leaving I was talking to a steward who was a baggie and he said he wished they had EHD even though he hates him!

For what we paid I would say it was one of SA's best buys.

Well there's two of us at least!

[Ricky]

I had to laugh when diouf was subbed. He was applauding all sides of the pitch and waving. Basically doing anything he could to waste a few more seconds.

He can be an idiot.... But he's our idiot!!

[Exiled_Rover]

Well there's two of us at least!

Three. He was our stand out player earlier in the season. His performances have dropped off some since then, but he's still comfortably one of our better players.

[Roost]

Well there's two of us at least!

Sod the rest of 'em - they dont have a clue

[Threepenny Bit Foot]

Three. He was our stand out player earlier in the season. His performances have dropped off some since then, but he's still comfortably one of our better players.

Agreed Exiled, comfortably in our top three this season.

[riverside returns]

Agreed, yesterday he held the ball and didnt give it away. A fans favorite if he is on your team and devil incarnate if on opposition

[DE.]

I notice that whenever the question of Sam's transfer dealings is discussed, people list Diouf (EH) as an example of a flop. I honestly do not understand why. He was absolutely brilliant today at what he does best, retains the ball, hardly ever gives it away and eases the pressure on the defence by all the needless free-kicks he draws. I also think his winding up of opponents and their reaction heightens the tempo and gets the crowd going and revs his own team-mates up. He also lost his marker for the short corner that led to the goal--his assist.

He plays with passion and his celebration of the win proves he is not just a mercenary as some claim.

I think we missed him against Stoke and for 2M ( a Championship fee) he has to be regarded as an outstanding success.

Agreed to an extent, for his price he's easily been a success. Form has been hit and miss (mostly miss) over the last month or so but overall his contribution has been solid for most of his tenure here. No way at that price can he be considered a flop.

[Lancs Rover]

I notice that whenever the question of Sam's transfer dealings is discussed, people list Diouf (EH) as an example of a flop. I honestly do not understand why. He was absolutely brilliant today at what he does best, retains the ball, hardly ever gives it away and eases the pressure on the defence by all the needless free-kicks he draws. I also think his winding up of opponents and their reaction heightens the tempo and gets the crowd going and revs his own team-mates up. He also lost his marker for the short corner that led to the goal--his assist.

He plays with passion and his celebration of the win proves he is not just a mercenary as some claim.

I think we missed him against Stoke and for 2M ( a Championship fee) he has to be regarded as an outstanding success.

There are no characters in football any more? This bloke is an anti-dote to Prozone. He excites opinion as much for his character as his ability. (Actually, probably more so).

We'll be still be talking - and laughing - about him in future when we've forgotten all those other percentage players like...erm, er...that one that couldn't pass properly and that other bloke that kept getting injured.

Saturday afternoon's World of Sport? Mick McManus in a Rovers shirt. Or maybe more Kendo Nagasaki.

[shraffy]

Just back to the land of internet. Yesterday was brilliant, and my record of only attending victories (5 wins 0 losses 0 draws) stays intact. Met some great folk at The Vine and as a gameday experience was probably the best I've had. Voice is totally shattered - we were in fine form yesterday let me tell you. West Brom really IS a sh1thole and we let them know it ahahaha.

Performance wise, loved the early goal, not surprised to concede an equalizer, and at halftime everybody I talked to agreed we looked absolutely doomed. Second half was a complete turnaround, and although we have major gaps to fill our strikers actually scored some goals. Bunn looked great which will pay back in confidence next time he has to be put into the net. EHD made me laugh and laugh and laugh some more what a character. Totally agree with others that he is a very important piece to our team. Threw all his kit (save his underpants) to the fans after the match ahaha. Pedersen was totally fired up after as well - you could really tell what the win meant to several (most) of the players. Nelsen IS our captain right now, and I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with him by the bus after the game. NZ LEGEND (my second home).

Other brief notes:

- thought Hanley was excellent, and will get lots of confidence from the win. Seemed like a really positive mentor/protege relationship with Nelsen during the game.

- felt Mame D was a bit too lax in his defensive duties. He was driving my section bonkers! But I have no doubts about his scoring potential.

- Hoilett really needs to start games on the field, not the bench.

Really excited about a future team core that includes: Nzonzi, Hoilett, Olsson, Jones, Hanley and hopefully M Diouf

Can you imagine a win at Sunderland? Yes please!

Anyway, back to Costa Rica tomorrow. Happy New Year all.

[Daremz]

What a brilliant surprise, didn't saw that one coming to be honest! The most important thing is the confidence. If we can get a result on saturday, that would be even better. How long will Nico be suspended?

[Roost]

What a brilliant surprise, didn't saw that one coming to be honest! The most important thing is the confidence. If we can get a result on saturday, that would be even better. How long will Nico be suspended?

Nico out for three matches I think - gutted really as he looked well up for it yesterday and showed he prefers this attacking style of football which gives him more of the ball.

[No Nay Never]

On the EHD subject, I don't think it's coincidence his better performances come away from home. He is brilliant at slowing down the play and retaining possesion which is excellent away from home, but can be frustrating at home when trying to attack.

[Jimmy612]

Last time we scored 3 away from home in the league. Everton 2-3 Blackburn. 16th August 2008, opening game of the season and Paul Ince's first game in charge.

But never 3 away from home in the league with BFS in charge.

[Valois]

This is how I see this win. It was a massive result, certainly the biggest this season, if not the last two seasons. Given the recent events, the last 2 poor performances at home, the whole world and his dog seem to be against Blackburn at the moment, for they way BFS was treated, the team is ravaged by injuries, Salgado was ill, Robbo had an injury, the pressure on Steve Kean after just 2 games was so big already, the captain had made it public he may look to leave.

Personally I would like to thank those journalists and sections of the media, pundits for slamming our club, putting added spin on things, to make it look worse than it already is, it clearly helped inspire the team to put in a massive performance, and show that the players are still unified, and willing to fight for the club and the fans. Yes we shouldnt get carried away, it is just one win, but for god sake lets enjoy it, we havent had much to cheer about over the last month. People have been crying out for us to start playing decent positive attacking football, and we showed that we can yesterday, and with that there will be gaps, and we will concede more. Until we get in a decent defensive centre mid player in that will continue to be the case, especially with Jones out who was doing that job perfectly well given his age.

A loss yesterday would have sucked us even further into a relegationbattle, considering Fulham got a great result, and West Ham seem to be finding a bit of form. The Sunderland game will be a bigger challenge, given we have further injuries, Kali is suspended, and Sunderland are a better side than West Brom, but I fancy us to pick up a point.

So whats next, a striker, box to box midfielder, maybe a young up and coming right back (understudy to Salgado), and maybe someone on loan, get rid of some of the dead wood (Andrews, Grella, Rigters, Roberts), Hang on to Samba, I dont like the way he went public about looking to maybe leave, but he is a massive player for the club, quite literally. Bring in an experienced assistant for Steve Kean, Venkys to allow JW to do his job, he is one of the best in the business, use him. At the end of the season, assess the signings Kean makes in January and our final league posistion, and then either back him, or bring someone in who can take the club forward,and back him with adequate finances.

Forget BFS, weather you loved or hated him, he has gone and aint coming back.