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Monday 28th November 2005

ROVERS PLAYERS GET DESERVED RECOGNITION

Following their outstanding performance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, Michael Gray and man of the match Ryan Nelsen have been selected in the Premiership Team of the Week. The team is as follows:

Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd)

Gary Neville (Man Utd)
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn)
Michael Gray (Man Utd)

Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal)
Li Tie (Everton)
Claudio Reyna (Man City)
Ryan Giggs (Man Utd)

Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

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Wednesday 30th November 2005

GILBERTO MAGIC EDGES FIVE GOAL THRILLER
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 ARSENAL 3

It was going to take something special to win this match and we got it. In a pulsating match, Arsenal defeated battling Blackburn on a wet night at Ewood Park. Brazilian international Gilberto provided a typical Brazilian goal to win this exciting match. Freddie Ljungberg and Robin van Persie had twice given the Gunners the lead but Faiz Khan's twice fought back through Robbie Savage and Morten Gamst Pedersen. In truth, the away side had the edge over Rovers but it was still a great match to watch as a neutral. Khan made four changes to the side that shocked Chelsea at the weekend with Richard Lee, Angelos Cijntje, Garry Flitcroft and Paul Dickov replacing injured duo Brad Friedel and Craig Bellamy, ineligible David Bentley and David Thompson. Arsene Wenger made two changes from the victory against Birmingham with Kerrea Gilbert and Aliaksandr Hleb being replaced by Kolo Toure and Robert Pires.

On a cold and wet North West night at Ewood Park, referee Andy D'Urso got the match up and running. After 8 minutes, Arsenal made the perfect start. Ashley Cole crossed for Thierry Henry who had three goalbound efforts all stopped brilliantly by Lee but then Ljungberg was on hand to show Henry how it's done by sweeping home the third rebound into the far corner for his 1st goal of the season. Just moments after the goal, Rovers should have equalised. Savage sent a great ball over the top for Dickov who was tackled and the ball broke to Shefki Kuqi who lost his usual composure by placing the ball well wide of the goal. On 20 minutes, Arsenal had a great double chance to extend their lead. Firstly, Jose Antonio Reyes played a one-two with Gilberto and went into the area but his firm shot was stopped again brilliantly by Lee. Then Ljungberg crossed to the near post where Henry's glancing header was superbly pushed aside by Lee. And in the next minute, Sanli Tuncay crossed for Pires but his header was also not getting past Lee - what a keeper Khan has bought for next summer! And from the resultant corner, Henry powered a header well wide of the post. Five minutes later, Rovers almost stole an equaliser. Erick Delgado punched away a corner and the ball came out to Pedersen who volleyed back towards goal. Kuqi diverted the ball into the net and began celebrating until he was stopped by an offside flag. After the half hour, Pedersen sent a freekick into the area which was met firmly by Flitcroft but his header was comfortably smothered by Delgado. On the counter attack, Reyes went down the left flank and sent in a ball which Henry volleyed with his left peg just inches over the bar - what a goal that would have been! In first half stoppage time, Blackburn made Arsenal pay for their missed opportunities by equalising. Aaron Mokoena gave the ball to Michael Gray who sent a ball to the near post which was firmly headed past Delgado by Savage to give Khan something to smile about. Moments later, the referee blew for the break to bring a pulsating first half to an end. Arsenal took an early and began to dominate, creating chances but not taking them and they were made to pay the ultimate when Rovers scored a equaliser on halftime. The halftime score at Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 ARSENAL 1.

As the second half got underway, the Blackburn players no doubt looked really fired up for the rest of the match. And immediately after the restart, they should have been infront. Savage and Flitcroft exchanged passes and sent Dickov clear on goal but his attempted chip drifted inches wide of the goal. The game then descended into a messy, stifling battle that Rovers were winning very well. They were playing the pressing game, putting the Gunners under pressure so that they didnt have time on the ball. But it didnt work when halfway through the second period, Arsenal went ahead for the second time. Cole went down the left wing going past two players before passing to Hleb who gave van Persie the kind of ball that needs a first time shot and it got it as the ball went crashing into the far corner. With 15 minutes remaining, Rovers began to put pressure on and missed an opportunity to equalise. A slick passing move involving Mokoena, Ryan Nelsen and Pedersen ended with Neill. The Australian sent an inviting ball into the area where substitute Tugay's header were superbly tipped over by Delgado. From the resultant corner, Nelsen had two stabs at an effort with his second from the edge of the area going well wide of the goal. Moments later, Rovers made their late pressure count. Neill sent over another great inviting ball into the box and Pedersen climbed brilliantly to power a header past Delgado who got a touch into the top corner - the fans were going wild and so was Pedersen, kicking the cameras and advertising hoardings. But just three minutes after seemingly saving a point, Blackburn let Arsenal in again and this time there was no way back. Nelsen headed a long Cole throw and the ball came to Gilberto 35 yards out. He saw Lee off his line and instantly lobbed the ball over the small frame of Lee to give the Gunners the lead - a sickener for Khan on the touchline, literally. For the rest of the match, Arsenal were just teasing Rovers by simply passing the ball about and wasting time at every one of their set-pieces. Two minutes of stoppage time later, the referee blew for full time. Arsenal started the brighter scoring an early goal before Rovers equalised on halftime and in the second half the Gunners were in front, then pegged back again before Gilberto's stunning winner. In the end, you could say the away side were the better side on the night but take nothing away from Blackburn as they battled all the way to the final whistle. The final score at a spirited Ewood Park read BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 ARSENAL 3.

Blackburn : Lee 6, Cijntje 6 (Barker 66, 6), Gray 7, Nelsen 7, Mokoena 6, Neill 7, Pedersen 8, Savage 8, Flitcroft 4 (Thompson 66, 6), Kuqi 7 (Tugay 45, 7), Dickov 6.

Goals : Savage (45), Pedersen (79)

Booked : Tugay

Arsenal : Delgado 7, Toure 7, Cole 7, Senderos 7, Campbell 7, Ljungberg 7, Pires 7 (Hleb 45, 7), Tuncay 8, Gilberto 7, Henry 7 (van Persie 56, 7), Reyes 7 (Bergkamp 45, 7).

Goals : Ljungberg (8), van Persie (66), Gilberto (82)

Booked : Gilberto

Man of the Match : Robbie Savage - although he was the losing side, the Welsh international was fantastic in the middle of the park, constantly breaking up and setting up attacks and capped his performance off by scoring the first equaliser.

Attendance : 31340
Referee : Andy D'Urso

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Wednesday 30th November 2005 - Premiership Table


1st - Man Utd - 37 pts
2nd - Arsenal - 32
3rd - Liverpool - 32
4th - Chelsea - 27
5th - Everton - 22
6th - Blackburn - 21
7th - Fulham - 21
8th - Middlesbrough - 20
9th - Tottenham - 20
10th - Newcastle - 18
11th - Aston Villa - 17
12th - Man City - 17
13th - Portsmouth - 17
14th - Wigan - 14
15th - Charlton - 13
16th - Sunderland - 13
17th - Birmingham - 11
18th - Bolton - 11
19th - West Brom - 10
20th - West Ham - 8

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Thursday 1st December 2005

MONTHLY AWARDS FOR NOVEMBER

The Barclays Premiership Player of the Month was Manchester United's experienced winger Ryan Giggs as his scintilating performances for United in recent weeks have helped his team stay at the top of the Premiership table - he contributed two assists and was man of the match twice.

The Barclays Premiership Young Player of the Month was Manchester United's wonderkid Wayne Rooney after his three goals and two assists helped United to keep top spot in the Premiership table.

The Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month was Liverpool's Rafa Benitez as the Spaniard guided his side to victory in all three of their games. This form has seen Liverpool keep the pressure on in the title race at 3rd spot in the Premiership table.

The Barclays Premiership Goal of the Month was Florent Sinama-Pongolle's stunning curler into the top corner of the net. This goal set Liverpool on the way to a 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough at Anfield.

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Saturday 3rd December 2005

ZENDEN STUNNER EARNS DESERVED VICTORY FOR LIVERPOOL
BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 LIVERPOOL 1

Well, it takes something really special to break down Blackburn Rovers at the moment and it did. Liverpool defeated Blackburn at Ewood Park this afternoon with just one goal the difference between the two sides. That one goal was scored by Boudewijn Zenden late in the second half as the away pressure their dominance home. Liverpool were full value for their win as they dominated possession and made better chances against a clearly exhuasted Rovers side that was playing its second game in three days for the first time under Faiz Khan. Khan made three changes to the side beaten by Arsenal with new signing Karl Svensson, David Bentley and David Thompson replacing Angelos Cijntje, Lucas Neill and Garry Flitcroft. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez made just one change from the home victory over Aston Villa by bringing in Djibril Cisse for the injured Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

Referee Barry Knight got the match underway in the very dry surroundings of Ewood Park. And straight from the kick-off, Mohamed Sissoko and Steven Gerrard combined to set up Cisse but his fierce long range bullet was yards wide of the goal. After six minutes, Liverpool continued their bright start and should have taken the lead. Zenden sent Cisse clear on the right flank and he crossed the ball low for Sissoko only to see his tap-in saved by a scrambling Richard Lee. And then on the counter attack, Shefki Kuqi played on a one-two with Paul Dickov before firing a long range effort into the sidenetting. A minute later, the game continued its a fast and exciting start with Rovers wasting a chance to take the lead. Morten Gamst and Dickov exchanged passes to put Kuqi through on goal with only Jose Reina to beat but the Finn could only fire his effort over the crossbar when a little dink over the keeper would have been easier. After 15 minutes, Liverpool counter-attacked the Blackburn backline ending with Steve Finnan's cross fizzing across the goal with Cisse just missing the vital connection. Five minutes later, Zenden and Finnan sent Sissoko on a bursting run and he unleashed a cracking, venomous effort that almost broke the crossbar with Lee literally beaten and rooted to the spot - how unlucky for Liverpool was that? The away side were starting to turn the screw halfway through the first half when they should have taken the lead. Superb one-touch passing involving Sissoko, Zenden and Peter Crouch sent Cisse running towards goal but the Frenchman could only look on in pure frustration as his goalbound curler was wonderfully diverted wide by Lee. Three minutes later, another fast, passing move found its way to Zenden whose long range effort was easily smothered by Lee in the Blackburn goal. Rovers were allowing their opponents too much time and space on the ball and they almost paid for it on 37 minutes. Cisse played a double one-two with Zenden and strode into the penalty area and hit the ball on the volley towards the far corner only to see Lee deny him again with another excellent stop. Just before halftime, Blackburn almost snatched an unlikely lead when Bentley burst into the penalty area but instead of shooting, he decided to cross and Finnan cleared the ball easily under no pressure whatsoever. The referee blew for the break moments later to bring a frustrating half to an end for Liverpool. From start to finish they have dominated the home side who look like they are feeling the effects of playing in midweek. But at halftime, somehow, the teams are level at Ewood Park. The score was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 LIVERPOOL 0.

The second half was underway at Ewood Park as the home fans willed their team on to produce another shocking result. And they responded by making a very bright start to the half. A long kick from Lee was flicked on by Kuqi into the path of Dickov and his first time shot on the half volley was superbly tipped over by Reina - Dickov rallied the fans to make even more noise. On 53 minutes, Liverpool made their first opportunity of the second period. Zenden played Cisse in on the right wing whose deep, far post cross was headed just over by Crouch. Just before the hour mark, Cisse went tearing at the Rovers backline with the ball and unleashed a zipping shot from 30 yards that just missed the far post with Lee not having it covered with his dive. On 65 minutes, Gerrard ran past Savage and Bentley before teeing up Cisse from 25 yards out but his effort went sailing over the crossbar. Nine minutes later, Liverpool finally made the breakthrough. John Arne Riise and substitute exchanged passes before setting up Zenden from 25 yards out. The Dutch international took one touch to control and another to bend the ball viciously into the top corner past the despairing dive of Lee - he could'nt stop that one, it was pure quality from Zenden! Blackburn were visibly shattered to lose a goal at a time when the game was heading for a priceless draw and they couldnt muster any kind of attack for the rest of the game. In a very bright moment for Khan, debutant Svensson showed exactly why the manager signed him. Cisse was through on goal until the Swede stopped him with a sliding tackle and then the ball came to Zenden but he was too slow as Svensson stole in to take the ball from him. Moments later, referee Barry Knight blew the final whistle to an applauding Ewood Park. The game was totally dominated by Liverpool and got their just rewards for their persistance with a stunning goal from Zenden. The home fans applauded both sides off for giving them full value for money. Liverpool continue their fight for the Premiership title while Rovers can look back on two games against tow top sides that maybe ended in defeats but they sure did not disgrace themselves and they are sixth and thats all that matters. The final score at Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 LIVERPOOL 1.

Blackburn : Lee 7, Mokoena 6 (Cijntje 70, 6), Gray 6, Nelsen 6, Svensson 7, Bentley 6, Pedersen 6, Savage 7, Thompson 6, Kuqi 6 (Barker 60, 6), Dickov 7 (Flitcroft 70, 7).

Liverpool : Reina 7, Finnan 8, Riise 8, Carragher 7, Traore 7 (Hyypia 72, 6), Gerrard 7, Sissoko 7 (Alonso 45, 7), Hamann 7, Zenden 9, Cisse 6, Crouch 7 (Morientes 72, 7).

Goals : Zenden (74)

Man of the Match : Boudewijn Zenden - the Dutchman was Blackburn's chief tormentor this afternoon as his clever runs and passing helped his side control the game from start to finish. Fantastic strike to win the match as well.

Attendance : 31347
Referee : Barry Knight

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Saturday 3rd December 2005

SVENSSON DEBUT PLEASES KHAN

This afternoon saw the long awaited debut of Karl Svensson alongside Ryan Nelsen in the heart of the Blackburn defence.

Faiz Khan has stated that he was very happy with the Swede's performance and he believes he will get better he adapts to the surroundings and system that Rovers play.

Svensson has heard Khan's comments and responded by declaring that he was delighted to hear such praise and has promised to show exactly why his manager has shown so much faith in his ability.

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Saturday 10th December 2005

KUQI BRACE SINKS HAMMERS
WEST HAM UNITED 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2

There's no keeping them down right now. Blackburn Rovers came through a tough away day by beating West Ham at Upton Park this afternoon. Both goals were scored by, you guessed it, Shefki Kuqi to give Rovers victory and send them to back to 6th place in the Premirship. In truth, once Blackburn had scored their two goals, the Hammers then started playing well and in the end it was too little too late. Faiz Khan did something that was pretty unusual for him as he named the same side that were beaten at home by Liverpool last weekend. Hammers boss Alan Pardew made three alterations from the side that were beaten at Middlesbrough with Kjetil Waehler, Elliott Ward and Bobby Zamora coming in for Tomas Repka, James Collins and the suspended Paul Konchesky.

As the atmosphere was getting really fired up around the ground, referee Mark Clattenburg got the match underway. It took ten minutes for either to create the first opening and it came from the visitors. Morten Gamst Pedersen swung in a freekick towards the near post where it was headed into the sidenetting by Kuqi. Three minutes later, Rovers thought they had taken the lead. Michael crossed from very deep where it was headed into the net by Paul Dickov only to see be ruled out for offside and looking at the replays, the linesman got it 100% right. But on 18 minutes, they were not to be denied as they took a deserved lead. A long Aaron Mokoena was flicked on by David Bentley into the path of David Thompson and he crossed for Kuqi to fire the ball into the far corner. A bright start from Blackburn topped in the best possible manner - with a goal! Halfway through the first half, Robbie Savage saw a 30 yard freekick comfortably caught by Roy Carroll in the West Ham goal. It took until the 28th minute for the Hammers to create an opening and they should have taken it. Pedersen was caught in possession by Waehler who crossed into the box but Zamora's powerful header was pushed aside by Richard Lee's superb reflex save. Nothing happened after that chance until before halftime when West Ham should have equalised. Daniel Gabbidon played a high ball into the area where Yossi Benayoun was unmarked from six yards out but failed to make any contact with the ball. Moments later, the half was brought to a halt for halftime. Blackburn started very brightly and capping it off with a goal but towards the end of the half, West Ham were just getting back into the match and should go into their dressing rooms full of confidence. The scoreline at the interval from Upton Park was WEST HAM UNITED 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

The second half was underway at Upton Park with the home side looking to get back into this match. But the home fans' hopes were destroyed as Blackburn ruthlessly extended their lead early in the half. Pedersen collected a throw from Gray and delivered a superb ball from deep inside his own half down the channel to Kuqi and the Finn turned inside Gabbidon, placing the ball high into the far corner to score his 10th goal of the season. Just before the hour mark, Rovers were threatening to run riot as they almost scored a third goal. Pedersen and Kuqi exchanged passes before sending Dickov clear on goal but his low shot was stopped by a wonderful fingertip save from Carroll and the ball was cleared to safety. On the hour mark, West Ham should have pulled a goal back. Zamora sent a wonderful cross for Thorstein Helstad to volley home but his effort was straight into the arms of a grateful Lee. West Ham began putting severe pressure on Rovers for the first time in the match. A freekick was cleared by Kuqi where Lee was badly out of position and Dailly returned the ball with a powerful low shot that struck the foot of the post and to safety - a lucky escape for Blackburn. Nothing happened after that until seven minutes from time when West Ham should have scored. Ward sent over a great ball into the path of substitute Teddy Sheringham where his shot was turned away by the rejectful frame of Lee. Nothing else happened until referee Mark Clattenburg blew for fulltime to a chrous of boos and jeers from the West Ham supporters. Blackburn were clearly efficient in their victory. They started very well and scored an early goal in a very even first half. They then started the second half in a similar manner, scoring even earlier to secure the victory even though the Hammers started dominating towards the end of the game. The final score from Upton Park was WEST HAM UNITED 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.

West Ham : Carroll 6, Waehler 6, Clarke 7, Gabbidon 7, Ward 7, Retov 7, Aldonin 7 (Dailly 52, 7), Reo-Coker 7, Benayoun 6 (Carriere 77, 7), Helstad 6, Zamora 6 (Sheringham 77, 7).

Blackburn : Lee 7, Mokoena 7, Gray 7, Nelsen 7, Svensson 8, Bentley 6 (Todd 70, 6), Pedersen 8, Savage 8, Thompson 7 (Flitcroft 45, 7), Kuqi 8, Dickov 7 (Jansen 70, 6).

Goals : Kuqi (18, 52)

Booked : Mokoena

Man of the Match : Morten Gamst Pedersen - was fantastic this afternoon running past players countless times and passing the ball very well too. Provided the wonderful pass for Kuqi's second goal.

Attendance : 33206
Referee : Mark Clattenburg

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Monday 12th December 2005

KUQI BRACE EARNS PLACE IN TEAM

Following his two goals in the 2-0 victory over West Ham at the weekend, Blackburn Rovers striker Shefki Kuqi was named in the Premiership Team of the Week. The team is as follows:

Paul Robinson (Tottenham)

Steven Whittaker (Aston Villa)
Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa)
Gonzalo Sorondo (Charlton)
Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton)

James Milner (Aston Villa)
Alexei Smertin (Charlton)
Edgar Davids (Tottenham)
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)

Darius Vassell (Man City)
Shefki Kuqi (Blackburn)

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Saturday 17th December 2005

ROVERS DENIED BY BORO FIGHTBACK
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 2

It looked good at times but too good to be true. Faiz Khan saw Blackburn squander a two goal lead to let Middlesbrough escape Ewood Park with an undeserved point this afternoon. Two goals in five first half minutes from Craig Bellamy and Shefki Kuqi gave Rovers a dream lead but Boro showed great character to bounce back with goals from Blagoy Georgiev and Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Rovers edged the match with more shots on goal than their opponents but couldnt find a winner. Khan made two changes from the line-up that beat West Ham with Lucas Neill and the returning Craig Bellamy replacing Aaron Mokoena and Paul Dickov. Steve McClaren made just one change from the side that crushed Tel-Aviv in midweek with George Boateng coming in for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

On a very wet and breezy Saturday lunchtime, referee Howard Webb got the game underway in front of the Sky cameras. After six minutes, David Bentley went down with seemingly nobody around him and he was in pain. He was taken off the pitch for some treatment. The first opening was created by Middlesbrough after 15 minutes. Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz combined to tee up Georgiev from 25 yards out and he unleashed a fierce that just whistled past the post. Blackburn didnt get going until halfway through the first half where they made the breakthrough. Neill sent over a pinpoint cross for Kuqi and as his header was stopped by Craig Gordon, Bellamy was first to accept the invitation by tapping in the rebound. And five minutes later, Rovers extended their lead. Robbie Savage sent a freekick towards the near post where Kuqi produced a superb backward glancing header into the roof of the net - Rovers fans were clearly enjoying themselves and based on Kuqi's celebration, they were'nt the only ones. Boro almost hit back after the half hour when Yakubu forced his way through on goal but his fierce shot was superbly tipped away by Richard Lee in the Blackburn goal. Moments later, Blackburn had the chance to put this game to bed. Neill sent Bellamy clear on goal with a high ball, the Welshman took the ball wide of Gordon but his shot was deflected by the goalkeeper's body and Stuart Parnaby hooked the ball off the line as it was trickling into the net. Five minutes later, Boro found a way back into the game, albiet fortunately. Lee's pass to Karl Svensson went too far ahead of the Swede and Georgiev stole in and fired the ball underneath Lee's body into the net. Just before halftime, Michael Gray went past Fabio Rochemback and found Morten Gamst Pedersen in the area who shot just over the crossbar. The referee called for halftime soon after to bring a pulsating half to an end. Rovers made a bright start, scoring two quick goals but Middlesbrough got back into the game towards the end of the half. The score at halftime from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 1.

The second half got underway as the weather got colder and colder. Middlesbrough made a very bright start to the second half by scoring the equaliser. Stewart Downing found Georgiev and he sent a lovely 45 yard pass to Yakubu who took a couple of strides before unleashing a venomous shot from a difficult angle into the far corner to score his 10th goal of the season. On the hour, Boro almost completed an amazing turnaround. Yakubu strode down the left flank almost teasing Neill before sending over a cross that was headed just inches by substitute Hasselbaink. With 20 minutes remaining, Blackburn almost regained the lead. David Thompson took a throw from Neill, sent a cross into the area and it was met by a cracking low volley from Gray which was saved brilliantly by Gordon - Gordon showing exactly why so many Premiership sides, including Rovers, were desperate for his signature in the summer. On 78 minutes, Neill played a long freekick up to the edge of the box where Kuqi met it with his head but his header went sailing over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Lee almost lost his mind and gave Boro the lead for the first time in the game. Neill gave the ball back to Lee whose kick went straight to Hasselbaink with the keeper but the Dutchman's first time shot went just inches of the goal with the home fans breathing a huge sigh of relief - Faiz Khan didnt but he did give him a strange look. But he was once again applauding his young keeper in stoppage time. Hasselbaink went down the right wing and sent over a cross to the near post where Yakubu's firm header was stopped by Lee's wonderfully quick reflexes. The whistle went for fulltime just a minute later to bring a cracking pre-Xmas match to an end. Faiz Khan saw his side score two quickfire goals in the first half only to give one away before the interval. And soon after halftime, Boro completed their fightback with the equaliser and from then on, both sides came close to snatching a winning goal. The final score on a wet afternoon at Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 2.

Blackburn : Lee 7, Neill 7, Gray 6, Nelsen 7, Svensson 6, Bentley 6 (Flitcroft 63, 7), Pedersen 7 (Emerton 45, 6), Savage 7, Thompson 6, Kuqi 8, Bellamy 8 (Dickov 62, 6).

Goals : Bellamy (22), Kuqi (27)

Middlesbrough : Gordon 7, Parnaby 7, Pogatetz 7 (Jonsson 79, 6), Southgate 6, Riggott 7, Boateng 7, Georgiev 9, Rochemback 7, Castelen 7 (Hasselbaink 60, 7), Yakubu 9, Downing 7 (Gonzalez 72, 7).

Goals : Georgiev (39), Yakubu (53)

Booked : Downing

Man of the Match : Yakubu Aiyegbeni - the Nigerian was a nightmare for Blackburn's backline as his runs were quick and clever. His equaliser was absolutely stunning too - one for the future!

Attendance : 31339
Referee : Howard Webb

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Sunday 18th December 2005

SAVAGE SIDELINED UNTIL NEW YEAR

Blackburn Rovers have tonight confirmed that influential central midfielder Robbie Savage damaged his foot straining for the ball in training this afternoon.

He has been given treatment by the club's physios and he is expected to be ruled for up to 4 weeks which means he wont be around for the busy Christmas programme.

This will be a massive blow to Faiz Khan and his players as the manager was starting to see some magnificent displays from the Welsh international recently.