Blackburn 0 Man City 4: Adam Johnson Helps City Move On From Carlos Tevez Saga
by FanHouse UKFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Manchester City brushed aside all talk of Carlos Tevez and ended a difficult week on a bright note with a convincing win at Ewood Park thanks to goals by Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic.
Balotelli stepped forward and reminded City fans that at least one controversial striker is still willing to do the business in a light blue shirt, as Roberto Mancini's side kept pace with rivals United at the top of the Premier League.
THE GOALS:
56 mins: Aleksander Kolarov's corner is headed out by Gael Givet, but only as far as Adam Johnson, who bends in a superb opener with his left foot.
59 mins: Sub Samir Nasri finds space on the right and whips in a cross which is expertly touched in at the near post by Mario Balotelli.
72 mins: Silva launches a City counter-attack which ends with Nasri cutting in from the left and drilling a deflected third past Paul Robinson.
87 mins: Another corner from the left by Kolarov was met powerfully by the head of sub Stefan Savic, who had been on the pitch for just eight minutes.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
10 mins: James Milner pulled the ball back for Mario Balotelli, who blazed over from 12 yards to the delight of the home supporters.
27 mins: Sergio Aguero limps off and is replaced by Samir Nasri.
37 mins: Balotelli gives Rovers keeper Paul Robinson a scare by bending in an effort which lands narrowly wide of the right hand post.
50 mins: Balotelli works another opening and this time curls a superb strike beyond Robinson and against the upright.
76 mins: Mauro Formica shows his quality by shooting ferociously at goal from 25-yards to force a fine save from City's Joe Hart.
REACTION:
Kean insisted he will battle on:
"After the Arsenal game, most of the fans went home happy. Today is different and the supporters aren't happy and nor are the players or me.
"But let's put into perspective -- we minimised the chances for City. David Goodwillie couldn't get to Adam Johnson's shot quick enough and before we knew it we were behind.
"They made lots of changes from midweek and had a freshness about them. After falling two behind I felt we started feeling a bit sorry for ourselves.
"I am 100 per cent determined to carry on. I'm disappointed in the manner of the goals we conceded but there are good hard-working guys in our dressing room who need support."
The Scot maintains the club's owners are still behind him:
"I would rather the fans vented their anger at me. It's certainly not enjoyable but these are my players -- even the ones I didn't bring in.
"When we get a good result I'm not the sort to take the credit for myself. I make sure the plaudits are passed on to my players.
"The owners have backed me since day I got here. I would ask the supporters who are outside holding up banners to bear with us because we can turn it round."
Coach David Platt feels the performance shows the strength in depth City possess:
"It was the result we wanted and that's what we prepared for from Thursday onwards when we returned to training after putting the Bayern game to bed.
"We know what we're blessed with.
"One of the hardest things for us is picking a starting eleven. When we have everyone fit we are still sending top players into the stands.
"It's important that we don't lose the quality of performance and we haven't."
On Aguero's groin problem:
"Sergio has a groin injury but we're not sure how bad it is. If we had a game imminently then he wouldn't play. I think we're looking at a couple of weeks out least."
On Balotelli:
"Mario has shown consistency in his performances and in his training. He's had a lot of column inches in last 12 months and all the criticism he's had is one thing, but he also deserves credit for what he does right. He showed great maturity today.
On Johnson's goal:
"Adam Johnson's goal was great -- in fact, I was right behind it. As soon as it left his foot I knew it was in. We spoke at half-time about players stepping forward to join the attack instead of playing into their hands.
"In the first half we felt there wasn't a sustained period where we thought a goal was coming, but that changed after the break. When Adam scored we felt we were getting up a head of steam and creating things."
WHAT IT MEANS: Time will tell us whether Kean is right to feel that the board are still behind but five defeats in seven matches tells its own story. City remain in ominous form, with just two points dropped in the league so far this season and 23 goals. They are only off the top of the table on goal difference.
BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 MANCHESTER CITY 4 (A Johnson 56, Balotelli 59, Nasri 73, Savic 87)
PLAYER MARKING:
Blackburn Rovers (4-3-2-1): Robinson 6; Lowe 6, Dann 6, Samba 6, Givet 6; Petrovic 5, Nzonzi 5, Pedersen 5; Goodwille 4 (Formica 61, 6), Hoilett 6; Yakubu 5
Subs: Bunn, Slew, Rochina, Vukcevic, Roberts, Hanley
Manchester City(4-4-2): Hart 7; Zabaleta 6, Kompany 7, Lescott 7, Kolarov 7; A Johnson 7 (Savic 79, 7), Milner 6, Y Toure 6, Silva 7; Balotelli 8 (Dzeko 88, 6), Aguero 5 (Nasri 27, 7)
Subs: Pantilimon, Barry, Clichy, De Jong
Blackburn v Man City Preview: Mancini Insists Carlos Tevez ‘Not My Problem’
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: EWOOD PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
The drama which unfolded on the visitors substitutes bench at the Allianz Arena may have deflected attention away from Roberto Mancini's tactical failings in Germany.
But there will be no hiding place for the Manchester City manager and his players when they look to put a terrible week behind them against Blackburn.
Mancini will not need reminding that the last time his side returned to domestic action after a Champions League game they blew a 2-0 lead at Fulham.
And that was with Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez in the side.
Tevez will definitely be missing as an investigation into his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich continues.
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And Bosnian striker Dzeko is sweating on a place in the side after his behaviour when hauled off in Germany.
Dzeko has since issued an apology, but it remains to be seen whether Mancini, who was less than impressed with the players's actions, is in a forgiving mood after the most testing week of his reign.
Yet Mancini knows that failure to defeat Blackburn will only increase the pressure, and he may have no choice but to play Dzeko, who scored the winner in the corresponding fixture last seaon.
Mancini is not the only manager feeling the heat.
Despite masterminding a dramatic comeback victory over Arsenal recently, Blackburn's Steve Kean remains a manager under pressure after last week's disappointing 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.
There will be a familiar face missing from the home dug-out.
Assistant manager John Jensen had his contract extended in the summer, but the club confirmed his departure on Thursday.
The reasoning behind the decision has yet to be discovered but Kean, who brought the Dane to the club in January, will be hoping it does not disrupt his players.
Key Match-up: Yakubu v Joe Hart: City keeper Hart was one of the few positives from the defeat in Germany, with the England international making a host of quality saves. And while Hart will not expect to be as busy at Ewood Park, he will have to be on alert to ensure Yakubu does not add to the two goals he scored against Arsenal.
Form Guide: City have scored 19 goals in six league games, their only blip coming in a draw away at Fulham. A hard-fought win over Everton last week proved their ability to grind out results.But will they suffer from a Munich hangover? After a first league victory against Arsenal, Blackburn returned to old habits last week with a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.
Odds: Blackburn 5/1, Manchester City 8/13, Draw 11/4
BLACKBURN:
Kean reckons he may have to turn to fringe players as his injury problems mount.
Michel Salgado and Gael Givet both picked up injuries during the defeat at Newcastle and are doubts, while Ryan Nelsen continues to struggle with a knee problem.
Kean said: "Some of the players who perhaps haven't had much of a run this season could get their chance. Obviously if the injuries tot up then the lads that have the opportunity have to grab that.
"If they get given the chance then they have to take it. These are the times when you look at the depth of the squad. Thankfully we have other players in these positions and they can come in and play."
Kean admits his side also have to put last week's poor display at Newcastle behind them as they prepare to welcome City.
"It was a disappointing result because we felt we could go to Newcastle and get something. I do think though the way we came back into the game was positive.
"But we will go again against Manchester City full of confidence."
Strategy: Rovers know they are up against it, but will look to take advantage after the traumatic week their opponents have endured. Yakubu is expected to start up front on his own despite being somewhat isolated last week at Newcastle.
Injury Update: Salgado (hamstring) and Givet (leg) are doubts, while Nelson (knee) remains sidelined. David Dunn (calf), Morten Gamst Pedersen (thigh) and David Goodwillie (thigh) are expected to be available after injury.
MANCHESTER CITY:
Mancini has continued his hardline stance over the ongoing row regarding Tevez's alleged refusal to play by insisting it is 'not my problem'.
The Italian claimed that Tevez was 'finished' after the Bayern Munich defeat.
Tevez in a statement blamed "confusion on the bench" for the "misunderstanding", denying he refused to play in Munich.
But Mancini does not appear to have softened his views over the matter.
"It is finished," said Mancini.
"I am the manager, our focus is regarding the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"Other things - it is not my problem."
Tevez has been suspended for two weeks by City as they investigate the chain of events before making a decision on the future of the Argentina international.
Mancini is trying to draw a line under the unsavoury incident and insists he is focused on helping City achieve success.
"Blackburn is an important game," he added at the pre-match press conference where the media were warned not to ask questions about Tevez.
"It will be difficult but we have to try and win."
Strategy: This is all about City attempting to return to show it is business as usual following this week's extraordinary events. A strong performance is required to send out a clear message that Mancini's is squad remains united. Mario Balotelli may make his first league start while the quality of David Silva and Sergio Aguero ought to prove too much for Blackburn.
Newcastle 3 Blackburn 1: Demba Ba Adds to Steve Kean’s Worries
by John WardleFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Demba Ba claimed a hat-trick as Newcastle continued their fine start to the Premier League season, while adding to the pressure on the Blackburn manager Steve Kean.
The striker signed from West Ham in the summer struck twice in three minutes before David Hoilett gave Blackburn some hope with a well-taken goal shortly before the interval.
But, after hitting the bar through Martin Olsson, Blackburn's hopes of at least a point vanished when Ba struck again with a header that looped over Paul Robinson.
Blackburn finished with ten men Martin Olsson was sent off in the 70th minute for a foul on Best - and some of their fans were soon targeting Kean as they chanted "you don't know what you're doing".
THE GOALS:
27 mins: Ba collects a cross from Leon Best and holds off a defender Scott Dann before turning in to power a shot past Paul Robinson 1-0.
30 mins: Ba again, this time from close range after Steven Taylor heads Cheik Tiote's cross back across goal 2-0.
37 mins: Ryan Taylor gives the ball away and a Rovers' counter-attack ends with David Hoilett powering in a shot from the edge of the area 2-1.
54 mins: Ba completes his hat-trick with a header that drifts over Robinson, who is under pressure from Best.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
6 mins: Ba surges forwards and drills a shot just over the Blackburn bar.
20 mins: Best lashes a first-time effort over the same bar from 18 yards.
23 mins: David Hoilett fails to connect at the far post with a cross from Martin Olsson.
41 mins: Best leaps high, but can only head over a cross from Ryan Taylor.
52 mins: Ryan Taylor's fine header prevents Yakubu an equaliser.
53 mins: Martin Olsson loops a shot over Tim Krul, but it bounces on top of the bar.
70 mins: Olsson is sent off for cynically bringing down Best.
78 mins: Best turns inside before firing over the bar - just one of several opportunities falling to the striker.
REACTION:
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was delighted with the performance of his side:
"I thought we were brilliant. We controlled the game and there were some tremendous performances. We controlled the game and were magnficent all day. We are unbeaten and looked sound. We could have scored more than three. The club is good health at the moment. I wwould be nice tohave a season when there is a good feeling about the place."
On Ba and his fellow-striker Best:
"I thought our two strikers were great. Demba Bas had a quiet start when he went through Ramada and it was difficult for him, but he put in a terrific performance. Strikers thrive on goals and scoring those in front of the Toon Army will have done him a power of good. Leon could have had a hat-trick as well and they work well as a pair."
On a brief appearance by Hatem Ben Arfa:
"It was nice to see him on the pitch becasue he can do things that our other players can't do. He gave a nice little cameo. Perhaps Peter Lovenkrands could have gone on, but Hatem has had a tough time with injuries and I thought it would be good for him to get a reaction from the fans."
Blackburn manager Kean was furious about United's third goal:
"The whole momentum of the game swung from that moment. I struggle to see how it was not a free-kick for us. I feel a bit aggreived because Scott Dann was going to clear off the line and Leon Best bundled him over. Martin Olsson protested to the referee and was booked - and eventually ended up with another yellow card. It was the turning point of the game because we felt it was a clear foul."
On how his players will react to another defeat:
!We have a group of players that will know they will stick together if things are going against us."
Newcastle v Blackburn Preview: Alan Pardew out to end Rovers Jinx
by Jason MellorFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: ST JAMES' PARK, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST.
Every good run must come to an end, and this is where Blackburn's hold over Newcastle on Tyneside will finally run its course. Remember where you read it first.
Somewhat bafflingly, the visitors arrive at St James' Park searching for a sixth consecutive league win in this particular corner of the North-East.
It can't last. It won't last. The smart money is on the hosts extending their unbeaten start to the campaign to halt the mini rally currently enjoyed by Steve Kean's team.
September 2004 was the last time Rovers failed to win in front of the Gallowgate, but even despite showing signs of hitherto unseen life in the last week, expect them to return empty-handed across the Pennines.
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For their part, Blackburn will be keen to exploit a Newcastle defence that shipped as many goals - three - in two hours of Carling Cup football at Nottingham Forest as it had in the previous six games.
With manager Alan Pardew again set to ring the changes after victory on the banks of the Trent, it will be a much more familiar looking line-up - the one that fought-out a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, in fact, barring any mishaps - that returns to action on home soil after a seeming eternity on the road.
"We've not had an easy start," Pardew insisted as his side sit fourth. "We've had five away games and only two at home - that's been lost a little bit - so even more so, the players have done terrifically well.
"Unless we pick up any injuries in training, it will be the same team that started our last Premier League game."
Key Match-Up: Fabricio Coloccini v Yakubu: A battle between two players who scored on their last start, though it'll largely be the former attempting to prevent the latter adding to his two goals against Arsenal. The Newcastle skipper's appearance on the scoresheet with the winner Nottingham Forest, however, underlines the Argentine's threat going forward.
Form Guide: Newcastle remain unbeaten in seven games in all competitions. Blackburn arrive in with back-to-back wins against two very different London teams - the might of Leyton Orient, and Arsenal.
Match Odds: Newcastle 5/6 Blackburn 7/2 Draw 12/5
Phil Jones is Already One of the Signings of the Season at Manchester United
by John PercyFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Premier League, Football
While Sir Alex Ferguson continues to castigate the media for their apparent agenda against David De Gea, another of Manchester United's new signings cannot have made a more impressive start to life at Old Trafford.
The jury may still be out on De Gea but Phil Jones already appears to be one of Ferguson's shrewdest recruits in years and a player that will leave a lasting legacy when the United manager finally decides to pack it in.
Jones has epitomised the best start to a United season since 1985 with a string of colossal performances at the back, embracing the challenge of playing for a huge club with ease and clearly relishing the opportunity to perform on such a stage.
Many eyebrows were raised when Ferguson paid out £16 million to take him from Blackburn Rovers in the summer but he already looks a snip at that price.
Such astronomical transfer fees are the going rate for teenagers with talent these days and Jones has already proved with both United and England this season that he has a long career ahead of him.
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His performance against Chelsea was another test passed in his introduction to life at the Theatre of Dreams and Ferguson will know that the 19-year-old will only get better.
Fernando Torres may have had one of his more impressive afternoons in a Chelsea shirt on Sunday but Jones still kept him relatively quiet, reading the game superbly like a player who has been around far longer.
It hasn't been just his displays at the back either. The 19-year-old was used as a midfielder in his last few months at Blackburn and his surging runs towards the opposing penalty area have not been reined in by his defensive duties.
Against Chelsea he made a telling contribution for the third goal with a powerful driving run that has almost become a trademark already.
Ferguson will not be shy to play Jones in midfield this season either, so his versatility is further proof of his value for money.
Blackburn 4 Arsenal 3: Yakubu Double Turns Heat on Arsene Wenger
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Yakubu scored two goals to ease the pressure on Blackburn manager Steve Kean - and turn up the heat on Arsene Wenger.
Rovers fans marched before kick-off demanding the removal of Kean after a poor run of form.
But they were celebrating as Blackburn twice came from behind to win for the first time this season. Yakubu, a transfer deadline day signing from Everton, cancelled out Gervinho's opener before Mikel Arteta sent Arsenal into a 2-1 interval lead.
But an own goal by Alex Song, Yakubu's second of the game and another own goal by Laurent Koscielny sealed a stunning Rovers comeback as Arsenal failed to win away from home in the league for the seventh successive game.
THE GOALS
10mins: That's the 51st goal in 20 Premier League games that Paul Robinson has conceded against Arsenal. Song is allowed far too much time to wander up field and slip the ball to Gervinho who finishes well. (0-1)
25mins: Unbelievable. Blackburn should be dead and buried but against the run of play Yakubu equalises with a composed finish following Junior Hoilett's great pass. (1-1)
34 mins: Exquisite finish by Arteta as the Spaniard strokes home from 15-yards after Aaron Ramsey darts down the right before a perfect cut-back for the former Everton man to open his Arsenal goal account. (1-2)
50mins: Ruben Rochina's free-kick into the danger area hits Song's knee and rolls into the net with no Rovers players near him. (2-2)
59mins: Yakubu is in the right place at the right time to turn Steven Nzonzi's ball across goal from a corner over the line. (3-2)
69mins: Arsenal's defensive horror show is complete as substitute Martin Olsson's pull-back beats the keeper then hits Koscielny and bounces over the line. (4-2)
85mins: Marouane Chamakh's bullet header sets up a grandstand finish - but it's too little too late for poor Arsenal. (4-3)
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
8mins: Bacary Sagna's deep cross from right finds Robin Van Persie, whose goalbound header is hacked clear as Arsenal show early intent.
19mins: Free header for Chris Samba but the Blackburn defender somehow fails to find the target from close range after non-existent defending from Arsenal.
21mins: Robinson makes a vital save to prevent Andrey Arshavin from making it 2-0 after the Russian had been allowed space to shoot from 20-yards.
24mins: Blackburn's defence is all over the place. Sagna is allowed a free ride down the right and easily finds Gervinho who is wasteful as he fires high and wide. It proves a costly miss as Blackburn equalise soon after.
90mins: Chamakh's steers a close range header wide - and there goes Arsenal's last chance of salvaging a point.
REACTION:
Wenger vowed to carry on despite labelling Arsenal's start to the season as "terrible" following another defeat:
"Speculation is part of modern life. My future is focuing on what I do well which is give my best to the club. What can I do? Not talk too much."
On four points from five games:
"It's terrible. It's just not good enough and of course we are very frustrated. The number of goals we have conceded is just not good enough. On the other hand I believe the group will take off. But it's important we get good results."
On his side's defending:
"At the moment we are not capable of focusing for 90 minutes from a defensive point of view. When you are 2-1 up with the quality that we have, it is important that you don't give cheap goals away like we did."
Blackburn manager Kean said he was disappointed with the fans who took part in the protest before the game:
"I was disappointed with that. But even the people who did decide to demonstrate were fully behind the team when they came into the ground. I think 99% of fans decided not to protest. Hopefully the 1 per cent of fans who did will go home happy after seeing what the lads are trying to do.
On Blackburn's performance:
"I thought we were excellent and caused Arsenal all sorts of problems. The desire to win got us the points. Our second half performance showed what we've got in that dressing room, which is 100 per cent team spirit. The boys were really working hard for each other.
"We've got character in the side. We've been unfortunate not to have more points but we've got character and we showed that last season. To play against Arsenal is so difficult. You have to run for the ball and they gave everything. But the most important thing was to get three points and it's a very good feeling. I think we deserved to win."
WHAT IT MEANS:
Arsenal are in deep trouble. Incapable of defending, more than capable of blowing a lead. This was meant to be an ideal fixture to bury the 8-2 disaster at Manchester United. Instead the result has only added to Wenger's away day problems. Blackburn's season is up and running but Kean's task now is to ensure they do not go on another long run without a win. They managed just one victory in 12 attempts after defeating Liverpool last season. Kean will hope they don't experience a similar run.
BLACKBURN 4 (Yakubu 25, 59, Song og 50, Koscielny 69) ARSENAL 3 (Gervinho 10, Arteta 34, Chamakh 85)
PLAYER MARKING:
Blackburn (4-2-3-1): Robinson 7; Salgado 5 (Petrovic 18, 7), Samba 7, Dann 7, Givet 7; Hoilett 7, Lowe 7; Nzonzi 7, Rochina 7 (Olsson 56, 7), Formica 7 (Vukcevic 65, 6); Yakubu 8.
Subs (not used): Bunn, Grella, Roberts, Hanley.
Arsenal (4-1-4-1): Szczesny 5; Sagna 5 (Djourou 53, 5), Mertesacker 5, Koscielny 5, Santos 5; Song 6 (Chamakh 76, 5); Arshavin 5 (Walcott 64, 6), Arteta 6, Ramsey 6, Gervinho 6; Van Persie 5.
Subs (not used): Fabianski, Gibbs, Benayoun, Coquelin.
REFEREE: Andre Marriner
ATTENDANCE: 22,637
NEXT UP:
- Blackburn v Leyton Orient (home), Carling Cup Third Round, 20/09, 2000 BST
- Arsenal v Shrewsbury (home), Carling Cup Third Round, 20/09, 1945 BST
Premier League Text Commentary: Blackburn v Arsenal As It Happened
by JP ShawFiled under: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Premier League, Football, Min-By-Min Reports
Minute-by-minute commentary from Ewood Park.
Blackburn v Arsenal Preview: Pressure Continues to Build on Steve Kean
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: EWOOD PARK. SATURDAY, SEPETEMBER 17, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1245 BST
For once, attention will not be focused solely on Arsene Wenger and his under-performing Arsenal side.
Steve Kean's current plight is providing one of the first sagas of the season with the Blackburn manager already under intense pressure just four games into the campaign.
Having sent an open letter demanding Kean's dismissal to Venky's, the club's Indian-based owners, the campaign by disgruntled supporters has since gathered pace following the launch of an online petition supporting their cause.
Now a pre-match demonstration, expected to attract up to 1,000 discontented supporters, has been organised, adding to the growing sense of crisis at the club.
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Kean has come out fighting, insisting he will win those fans over by winning games, but that seems an increasingly tall order.
His side are bereft of confidence and are struggling to score goals - plus their looming fixture list doesn't make easy reading.
Arsenal, strengthened by a clutch of new signings, will be no easy task as they look to overcome a stuttering start to the Premier League season.
And it doesn't get any easier in the weeks ahead, with Manchester City, Tottenham to come.
Whether Kean will still be in the hot-seat by then is another matter altogether.
Key Match-up: Chris Samba v Robin van Persie: Samba was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal but Wenger looked elsewhere. The giant Blackburn defender will want to show the Frenchman he was wrong in doing so and that means keeping van Persie quiet. No easy task given the form the Holland forward has displayed so far this season.
Form Guide: Blackburn sit bottom of the table after collecting one point from their opening four games. Arsenal have suffered themselves but picked up their first league win last time out against Swansea.
Odds: Blackburn 4/5, Arsenal 7/2, Draw 5/2
BLACKBURN ROVERS:
Kean has pleaded with the fans to get off his back and behind the team.
Nothing less than victory will save the manager from further scrutiny and should they fall to their fourth defeat here from their opening five games, the reaction will be unforgiving.
But Kean, who insists he is not feeling the pressure, says everyone should be united as his struggling players need the fans' backing to move off the bottom of the table.
He said: "I can understand their frustrations. I've been frustrated myself as have the players too.
"We feel that we have played well enough to have more points so we all share that frustration.
"What we need is for everyone to stick with us and give us their backing.
"There have been a couple of frustrating results, although the performances have been good in parts and we've just got to put it together for 90 minutes.
"We are all anxious and anticipating the points to go with our performances."
Blackburn captain Samba added: "We need the fans with us as they can be a 12th man for us.
"I think we need one win and the team will be lifted and you will see the confidence flow back."
Strategy: Kean needs his supporters with him so a fast-tempo start must be his side's approach. The last thing they need is to fall behind to a side of Arsenal's quality, who given space can pick teams off at will. But Arsenal used to hate coming to Ewood Park when Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce were in charge of Blackburn and Rovers must adopt a similarly robust approach if they are to come away with a much-needed win.
Injury Update: David Dunn (calf) and Morten Gamst Pedersen (hamstring) face late fitness tests. Ryan Nelsen (knee) is out but Junior Hoilett has been passed fit after a bout of concussion.
Premier League Text Commentary: Fulham v Blackburn As It Happened
by Daniel HarrisFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Premier League, Football, Min-By-Min Reports
Minute-by-minute commentary from Craven Cottage.
Fulham 1 Blackburn 1: Injury to Junior Hoilett Spoils Gritty Encounter
by Jon WestFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Fulham and Blackburn shared a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage that kept both teams in the bottom three of the Premier League table and still searching for their first wins.
Ruben Rochina's eye-catching strike gave Rovers the lead midway through the first half but an error at the back allowed Bobby Zamora to level before the break.
The game was also marred by injury to Junior Hoilett, who was stretchered off following a collision with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in stoppage time, which was extended by 11 minutes.
GOALS:
31 mins: Hoilett lays the ball back to Rochina on the edge of the box for the Spaniard to blast a left-foot thunderbolt past Schwarzer and in off the underside of the bar.
38 mins: Zamora makes it 1-1 with a quality finish - although Gael Givet's powder-puff challenge on the left of the Rovers area also helped.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
9 mins: Damien Duff gets the better of Gael Givet down the right and sets up Steve Sidwell, who fires just wide.
12 mins: Hoilett sends Rochina away but he tries to trick one defender too many and Schwarzer is able to save the shot that follows.
15 mins: David Goodwillie sends a bicycle kick just over.
22 mins: Rovers were lucky to escape conceding a penalty when Scott Dann gifted Zamora possession and Michel Salgado bundled the striker over in the box.
57 mins: Referee Howard Webb fails to give Rovers a penalty when Sidwell appeared to bring Hoilett down. Fulham counter through Jon-Arne Riise and Givet did well to stop Zamora getting on the end of the cross.
73 mins: Danny Murphy breaks free in the box but Paul Robinson pulls off a leaping save.
85 mins: Goodwillie fires across goal and wide after more good work from Hoilett.
90 mins: Schwarzer booked for clattering Hoilett outside the box. Could have been red. Goodwillie almost nicks it for Rovers from the deflected free kick.
REACTION:
Blackburn manager Steve Kean confirmed Hoilett's injury was not as bad as first feared.
"He needed three or four stitches in the side of his head and got a bang on his eye. He was out for a little bit of time, and he'll probably be concussed. It's good that he's up on his feet, and he'll get himself stitched up and will be fine."
The Scot felt Schwarzer should have been sent off by referee Webb.
"I was expecting him to send him off. When I spoke to Howard, he felt that even if Hoilett had got the first touch, (Fulham defender Stephen) Kelly was coming round. At the time, and at the pace it happened, I thought it would be a red card."
Kean did not feel Schwarzer had been deliberately reckless though.
"Schwarzer thought it might result in a goal, so he went all out for it. Hoilett, too. It was just a good professional attempt from each to score or prevent a goal."
Kean had been under pre-match pressure with suggestions he would be sacked if Rovers lost.
"Speculation in the press has just been speculation in the press, not from within the club. I've got fantastic backing from the owners, and I'm in contact with them every day. They're happy with the way we're playing. We had backing in the window, and have a competitive squad, so we have a squad that will finish in the top half. It's been a slow start, but we should already have had three or four points on the board before today. We'll stick at it."
Fulham manager Martin Jol did not feel Schwarzer should have been shown more than a yellow card.
"I've seen the challenge again and, while Hoilett is a terrific player and a nice guy and went for the ball, but Mark Schwarzer was clattered as well. It was a 50-50 situation."
The Dutchman was frustrated not to turn superior possession into goals however.
"They protected crosses well, but you need to come up with good solutions. We needed better finishing. I've heard we lacked a cutting edge, maybe today we did."
New signing Bryan Ruiz had a debut to forget but Jol backed him to come good.
"Bryan has to get used to the English game, and he'll do that. There are a lot of foreigners who never cope with that, but he's an intelligent guy who wants to achieve things with us. He scored a lot of goals. He couldn't get there where he~s good, in the box where he's deadly."
WHAT IT MEANS: That Kean will keep his job, for now. That both sides need a little extra to give their seasons the kick-starts they require. Neither look that bad but are finding performances better than the points tally.
FULHAM 1 (Zamora 38) BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 (Rochina 31)
PLAYER MARKING:
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer 6; Hughes 6 (Kelly 20, 6), Senderos 6, Hangeland 7, J A Riise 6 (Johnson 80, 5); Murphy 6, Sidwell 6; Ruiz 4 (Dembele 46, 6), Duff 7, Dempsey 6; Zamora 7.
Subs (not used): Etheridge, Kasami, Gecov, Grygera.
Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1): Robinson 7; Salgado 6, Samba 6 (Olsson 46, 6), Dann 6, Givet 6; Dunn 6 (Petrovic 52, 6), Nzonzi 6; Rochina 7 (Lowe 71, 5), Formica 6, Hoilett 9; Goodwillie 6.
Subs (not used): Bunn, Yakubu, Vukcevic, Roberts.
ATTENDANCE: 24,856
REFEREE: Howard Webb
NEXT UP:
- Fulham v FC Twente (Home), Europa League, 15/09 2005 BST
- Blackburn v Arsenal (Home), Premier League, 17/09 1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH: Junior Hoilett (Blackburn). Was a constant worry to the Fulham back-line, especially when cutting in from the left at speed. Sadly, he will now be missing as he recovers from his collision with Schwarzer.
Fulham v Blackburn Preview: Steve Kean Ready to Be Judged
by Ben HuntFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: CRAVEN COTTAGE, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1600 BST
These two sides have amassed a measly total of just one point from their opening matches this season; a statistic neither manager will be pleased with.
The Fulham manager, Martin Jol, saw his side earn that point from a goalless draw with Aston Villa on the opening day of the season while there have been defeats at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle.
Perhaps it was those two results that prompted the signing of striker Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente for the sum of £10.6 million in the transfer window.
Steve Kean has endured an even worse start, with Blackburn yet to register a single point after starting the season with three straight defeats.
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That has resulted in calls for the removal of the Rovers manager from fans frustrated at the lack of progress since their team's narrow relegation escape at the end of last season.
While Fulham have been doing their best to boost their attacking threat, Blackburn's problems have been in defence.
Rather strangely, like Fulham they have played Aston Villa and Wolves, however on both occasions Rovers were on the losing end. Kean's side have also lost to Everton.
There were several new arrivals at Ewood Park in the transfer window as Yakubu, Scott Dann and Simon Vukcevic were recruited and could feature on Sunday.
Key Match-up: Bryan Ruiz v Chris Samba. The forward, Ruiz, arrived at Craven Cottage with a big reputation - and with a big transfer fee. There will be great interest to see whether he can repeat his free-scoring at Fulham. While playing in the Eredivisie for Twente, Ruiz scored 36 goals in 61 games and Jol's team need that firepower. It has been one area where Fulham have struggled in the past, particularly whenever Bobby Zamora is missing. Ruiz is likely to be given a rough ride by Samba. The towering defender remained with Rovers, despite plenty of speculation that he would join Arsenal in the transfer window. The centre-back will be instrumental in helping Rovers try to keep a clean-sheet.
Form Guide: Neither of these sides are in form. It could be argued that Fulham are marginally the better, having at least taken a point from their opening three games this season. In the past two years, the Whites have come off the better, beating Rovers 3-2 last season and 3-0 the year before that. Historically, however, Blackburn edge this battle with 34 victories to Fulham's 26.
Odds: Fulham 4-6, Blackburn 9-2, Draw 13-5
Grading the Transfer Window: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, Chelsea
by FanHouse UKFiled under: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Chelsea, Premier League, Football, Team Reviews, Transfer News
The final hours of the transfer window were met with the usual feeding frenzy of shocks, sightings, rumours and tales of helicopters ferrying bewildered players from training ground to training ground.
Not every club was involved in last minute brinksmanship and there were some managers who were able to sit back and watch the fun unfold while taking an occasional peep through their office blinds at the windswept Sky Sports News reporter positioned on the pavement outside, just in case.
Yet no matter how clubs chose to do their business, the outcome was the same; three months of trading had come to an end and between now and the end of January, what you see on the back of your matchday programme is what you get.
So who were the winners and losers after the latest round of that peculiar version of fantasy football that's actually played with real money?
We think some managers have every reason to feel smug while others face an anxious wait to see whether their gambles have come off and here in our first instalment of club by club reports, FanHouse UK looks at the dealings of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea and decide whether they have passed or failed the transfer test.
In part two, we look at the dealings of Everton, Fulham, Manchester City and Manchester United. Read it here.
ARSENAL
Arsenal supporters have not seen a deadline day like it - but then again nor had they previously needed to. One by one their favouries left the Emirates Stadium without being replaced in one of the most frustrating summers in the club's history. The losses of Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri were lamented, the removal of fringemen Emmanuel Eboue, Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson less so and it all added up to a last-minute frenzy. Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta looked to be exactly what the Gunners needed but the jury is likely to remain out for a while on Gervinho, Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos and Park Chu-young however, while Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are currently immune to censure because of their lack of years.
Highlight: Getting a player of the quality of Arteta to come at the eleventh hour - and a player of Mertesacker's quality to come at all.
Lowlight: The long, drawn-out agony of Fabregas and Nasri's departures. Why did it all take so long, Arsene? Why the late rush to replace?
Grade: In the end a pass, just: C
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ASTON VILLA
Alex McLeish has been forced to tread a financial tightrope as Randy Lerner attempts to slash the wage bill, however the Scot has still succeeded in bringing in some quality additions on a limited budget. The window began badly for Villa with crown jewels Ashley Young and Stewart Downing departing. The pair will be missed, of that there is no doubt, the question is exactly how much. Charles N'Zogbia and Jermaine Jenas should help fill that void, while Alan Hutton and Shay Given are younger and equally accomplished replacements for Brad Friedel and Luke Young. Question marks linger, however, over the size of the squad following the release of a raft of players, including Nigel Reo-Coker and John Carew.
Highlight: Persuading Given to join in a bargain £3.5 million move.
Lowlight: On the basis of his early United form, Ashley Young will be a huge miss.
Grade: B-minus
BOLTON WANDERERS
Owen Coyle bolstered his attacking options with two new deadline-day signings arriving at the Reebok - but it was the man who stayed put who quite rightly snatched all the headlines. England defender Gary Cahill, despite strong interest from Tottenham, remains a Bolton player and for Coyle that must feel as good as a new arrival. The Bolton manager refused to budge on his valuation of the player, rejecting straight cash as well as the likes of Sebastian Bassong and David Bentley in part exchange. In the end, the only business done was the £4 million capture of David N'Gog and the loan signing of Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta, who joined recent acquisition Tuncay. And even though long-term target Shaun Wright-Phillips opted to head down south, Coyle was the real winner in keeping hold of Cahill until January.
Highlight: Somehow keeping Cahill out of the clutches of the rest - despite Bolton's highly publicised debt problems.
Lowlight: Seeing Wright-Phillips opt for QPR ahead of the Reebok.
Grade: B
BLACKBURN ROVERS
No Kaka. No Ronaldinho. No David Beckham. No Raul. But Scott Dann's £7.7 million eleventh hour arrival from Birmingham has at least proved that Blackburn can attract talent. Dann might not be as high-profile as some of the targets the club's Indian owners Venky's have failed to lure to Ewood Park. But he is still something of a coup while Yakubu's arrival from Everton is more of a gamble. However, the 28-year-old is unlikely to be worse than Roque Santa Cruz, who failed to score in 10 appearances on loan in the second half of last season.
Highlight: In addition to Dann's arrival, El Hadji Diouf's departure is a plus.
Lowlight: Targeting Raul and ending up with egg on their face - again.
Grade: C
Steve Kean’s Transfer Dealings Have Done Little to Lift the Gloom at Blackburn
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Premier League, Football
No marquee signing and not enough quality players; Blackburn's transfer deadline-day dealings will only be regarded as a letdown by their disgruntled supporters.
The names of David Beckham, Ronaldinho and Raul appear to be off the radar, at least for now, despite the earlier posturing by Venky's, the much-maligned owners at Ewood Park.
Instead the club recruited Scott Dann, from Biringham for £6 million, Everton's £1.5 million discard Yakubu and Sheffield United rookie Jordan Slew.
That, howver, still leaves a shortfall on the £16.5 million received from Manchester United for Phil Jones and Rovers fans have every right to question where the rest has gone.
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The club's owners vowed the cash would be reinvested in the transfer window to help ensure Blackburn's Premier League survival.
And things looked promising as Steve Kean appeared to be backed in the transfer market.
He was strongly with linked moves for Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner - who eventually ended up at Sunderland - as well as Vedad Ibisevic of Hoffenheim and Ajax striker Mounir El Halmdaoui.
Yet none of the above arrived.
And although Kean will justifiably see Dann's signing, once linked to Arsenal and Liverpool, as a major coup, the failure to sign a proven goalscorer could come back to haunt the Blackburn manager.
His current striker options include David Goodwillie, who remains untried at the top level, while Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica are still finding their feet after moves from the continent.
Jason Roberts, 33, has seen his best days and the same could be said for Nigerian striker Yakubu, who failed to get a look in at Goodison Park despite their ongoing problems up front.
Two goals in their opening three games suggests Kean has hasn't solved his long-standing problem, despite the Blackburn manager's claim his squad has never looked in better shape.
Kean said: "With Scott and Yakubu added to the other lads, I think we have a strong backbone running through our club.
"Our transfer business this summer has been very good, it's been very positive. There was always speculation that some of our quality would be leaving the club.
"That hasn't happened. We've managed to keep the majority of the squad together.
"When you look at the squad now, I always said I wanted a competitive squad with two genuine players in every position and I think we've got that now."
It's not all doom and gloom for Blackburn.
They managed to keep hold of captain Chris Samba and a compensation package was agreed to get controversial winger El-Hadji Diouf off the books.
But just months after seeing Rovers only avoid relegation on the final day of the season, the bookmakers maintain they won't be so fortunate this time around.
And it will take more than Kean's positive outlook from Kean to change that.
Deadline Day Round-up: Craig Bellamy In, Raul Meireles Out at Liverpool
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, Wigan, Wolverhampton, QPR, Norwich, Swansea, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
Liverpool were the focus of a dramatic end to deadline day after Craig Bellamy and Raul Meireles completed 11th hour moves in and out of Anfield.
Meireles' departure to Chelsea on a four-year deal for a £12 million fee came as a particularly surprising development after news the Portuguese star had handed in a transfer request came little over half an hour before the 11pm deadline.
Meanwhile, Wales striker Bellamy, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff, is back at Anfield four years after leaving the Merseyside and will wear the No. 39 shirt.
QPR and Stoke had appeared in the frame to sign Bellamy earlier in the day, however the chance to return to the club where he spent a controversial year in 2007 proved too good to turn down for the 32-year-old.
Further developments in a breathless day at Anfield saw Joe Cole snub late interest from Aston Villa to join Lille on a season-long loan, Christian Poulsen join French side Evian and David Ngog make a permanent move to Bolton.
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Sunderland signed Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal on a season-long loan, while Villa signed Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton on a respective season-long loan and permanent deal from Tottenham.
Spurs managed to keep hold of one of their key men in Luka Modric, whom manager Harry Redknapp claimed was the subject of a rejected £40 million bid from Chelsea, althought a move for Bolton's Gary Cahill failed to materialise for the White Hart Lane outfit.
They did, however, succeed in landing Football Writers' Association Player of the Year Scott Parker in a £5 million move from West Ham.
David Bentley has headed in the opposite direction on a season-long loan, while the Hammers also signed Henri Lansbury from Arsenal on a similar deal and Guy Demel from Hamburg.
Manchester City completed their shock move for free agent Owen Hargreaves, with the former Manchester United midfielder arriving on a one-year contract, while Carlos Tevez has remained at the Etihad Stadium.
QPR signed Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City and Anton Ferdinand from Sunderland.
Scott Dann left Birmingham for Blackburn in a £6 million move which could rise to £8 million.
Rovers also recruited striker Yakubu from Everton, who have attempted to offset the loss of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal by signing Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid and Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi from Tigre on season-long loans.
The Toffees also sold striker Jermaine Beckford to big-spending Championship side Leicester in a £3 million transfer.
Wigan signed Shaun Maloney on a two-year deal from Celtic for £1 million as well as signing Chelsea's 21-year-old Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt on a season-long loan. The Blues also allowed Gael Kakuta to join Bolton on loan.
Fulham fought off late competition from Newcastle to land Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente in a move worth around £10.6 million.
The Cottagers also signed experienced Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera and former Porto player Orlando Sa on free transfers and allowed Rafik Halliche to join Swansea on loan for the remainder of 2011.
Deadline Day Round-up: Craig Bellamy Makes Dramatic Anfield Return
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, Wigan, Wolverhampton, QPR, Norwich, Swansea, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
Forward Craig Bellamy made
a dramatic deadline day return to Liverpool on Wednesday night after completing an 11th hour move from Manchester City.
The Wales striker, who last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff, is back at Anfield four years after leaving the Merseyside and will wear the No. 39 shirt.
QPR and Stoke had appeared in the frame to sign Bellamy earlier in the day, however the chance to return to the club where he spent a controversial year in 2007 proved too good to turn down for the 32-year-old.
Bellamy's arrival was just one of a number of developments on a busy day at Anfield
which saw Joe Cole snub late interest from Aston Villa to join Lille on a season-long loan, Christian Poulsen join French side Evian and David Ngog make a permanent move to Bolton.
There was also one further twist with half an hour of the window remaining when it emerged Chelsea target Raul Meireles had handed in a transfer request, leaving his future on Merseyside shouded in mystery as the 11pm deadline passed.
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Manchester City completed their shock move for free agent Owen Hargreaves, with the former Manchester United midfielder arriving on a one-year contract, while Carlos Tevez has remained at the Etihad Stadium.
Tottenham, too, managed to keep hold of one of their key men in Luka Modric might and, although they failed to push through a move for Bolton's Gary Cahill, they did succeed in landing Football Writers' Association Player of the Year Scott Parker in a £5 million move from West Ham.
David Bentley has headed in the opposite direction on a season-long loan, while the Hammers also signed Henri Lansbury from Arsenal on a similar deal and Guy Demel from Hamburg.
Two players who left Spurs, however, were Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton, who both joined Villa on a respective season-long loan and permanent deal.
QPR signed Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City and Scott Dann left Birmingham for Blackburn in a £6 million move which could rise to £8 million, while Rovers also recruited striker Yakubu from Everton.
Wigan signed Shaun Maloney on a two-year deal from Celtic for £1 million as well as signing Chelsea's 21-year-old Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt on a season-long loan.