Attacking or Tough Closing Down?

What should Blackburn Rovers be deploying? Attacking, good to watch but we lose or tough, closing down can be unsightly but we pick up points football; sasman discuses.

After watching the recent game against Arsenal and listening to post match discussions, I have a point of discussion. Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager was quoted with saying "Many teams have got away with a point playing a lot less football than Blackburn have and they came here and played."

Now read his statement again. We are actually receiving praise from a highly rated manager about our style of play. But is this praise worth it. Is this attack approach being applied by our team suited to the players and style of the team. We are not grinding out the results, losing game after game.

I believe that this is due to a couple of factors. The first being the attempt to rid the tag of Bully Boys. This is important. I believe we have lost the competitive physical edge we have had in recent years. Wenger quotes that other teams have come and played less football and got a point. Blackburn use to be one of those other teams. Achieve the point at Arsenal, be happy with the result and move on.

Whilst we should always be aiming to win, we should not expect to win every game, as this is not realistic. Another factor is a team which is completely mixed in talent. We have few players capable of playing a highly attacking style of game. An ageing midfield reduces the speed and flow of the game whilst slow, not highly skilful fullbacks don't allow a counter attack style of play.

In saying this, why don't we just ignore the media and do what we do best, play tough and grind out the results. Unless the gaffer can pull some magic in the transfer window, this is our only method of staying up, escaping with the one all draws away from home, winning one nil at home and playing tough. These are the qualities the majority of our squad has hence we must play to our strengths.

This article was written and submitted by sasman.

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