It’s Saturday morning on the 22nd October 2022. Blackburn Rovers FC is preparing for a home game against Birmingham City. The club sits in second place in the Championship boasting more wins than any other team in the division. Yeah, we’ve played one more game than some teams but even so…that’s impressive…isn’t it ? 

Now someone more churlish, with the ability to read and interpret data at even just a fairly basic level might also point out that the “L” column shows, that with seven defeats at this embryonic stage, there are but two sides in the division who have lost more.

The question that keeps crossing my mind therefore is…are we any good ? 

If this was a case going to arbitration for a review it would be incredibly difficult to predict just which way the verdict would go, league table notwithstanding.

The optimists would highlight performances such as the counter-attacking away win at Swansea, the away, derby win at Bloomfield Road and the home win over recently-relegated (albeit a lacklustre) Watford and point to the integration of new players, youth products and the rejuvenation of some of last year’s squad into a vibrant, energetic, passing side.

The pessimists (or as they would style themselves “realists”) would point to some really abject displays away at Reading, Sheffield Utd, Luton and Wigan and with some justification would question the critical-thinking faculties of anyone who rated those performances as anything other than “unacceptable”. Defensive frailties, lack of attacking cutting-edge and creativity point to something of a fundamental flaw that needs urgent attention.

A combination of factors including the loss of several experienced players at the end of their contracts over the summer and financial constraints, meant that season 22/23 would provide an opportunity for a number of the club’s burgeoning home-grown talent. The likes of Carter, Phillips, Wharton, Garrett and Vale would have their chance; could they take it ? Early evidence has been encouraging, if mixed. Much like the team as a whole, when they’re good, they’re very good but when they’re not; they look like what they are - young lads learning their trade.
 

To Ewood on Saturday afternoon and a chance to record three consecutive wins for the second time this season. The game was much like the season in microcosm, with passages of play showing Rovers playing enterprising football, passing interchanges leading to attacking threats whilst at the same time, leaving space for Birmingham’s midfield to thread threatening passes between statuesque defenders. 

The second half was similar to the midweek encounter with Sunderland, with an opponent applying pressure to a defence struggling to cope. The importance to Rovers of Dominic Hyam and Thomas Kaminski cannot be overstated. Unlike Tuesday, Birmingham breached the Rovers back line and that last ten minutes wasn’t great for the blood pressure.

So ARE we any good ? Well, after today’s narrow victory Rovers remain in second place, so I suggest you enjoy it whilst you can and decide next May.