Wolves Hunted Down at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers buried the demons of Old Trafford in style, with goals to David Dunn, Brett Emerton and Ryan Nelsen skyrocketing the blue and white halves up into the top half of the league table.

Sam Allardyce decided to reinstall Morten Gamst Pedersen and Gael Givet into the starting line up, at the expense of Harold Goulon and Pascal Chimbonda

Paul Robinson
Gael Givet
Ryan Nelsen
Chris Samba
Michel Salgado
Phil Jones
Morten Gamst Pedersen
El Hadji Diouf
Brett Emerton
David Dunn
Jason Roberts

It all looked like disaster early on, as Wolves decided to hit Blackburn early, and test Paul Robinson's resolve after conceding 7 goals last week. However, from the early minutes, you just couldnt help to get a feeling that things would go our way today.

Matt Jarvis decided to take on Michel Salgado, rounding him easily, then powering a shot home, with Paul Robinson pulling off a fine save to push the ball to safety. Minutes later it was Stephen Wards turn, Robinson pushing the ball into the post. Zubar then had a go, desperately unlucky after beating the keeper, striking the crossbar and the far post!

Wolves just couldnt finish early on, and were made to pay from a Blackburn Rovers Set Piece. Morten Gamst Pedersen took the corner, lobbing a ball to the far 6 yard corner, Nelsen rose highest, heading back across goal, with David Dunn heading into the net. Wolves desperately cleared of the line, but Howard Webb and his assistant got it right, the ball clearly bouncing over the white stripe....

1-0 Blackburn (29th min)

Wolves didnt hold back though, in what was turning out to be an entertaining encounter. Kevin Doyle held his ground well against Chris Samba, whilst Matt Jarvis continued to be a thorn in midfield, moving the ball sharply and accurately. Robinson was called into action, a fine save from a drive from distance by Milijas.

Blackburn though took their chance when it came, and doubled their lead minutes before the break. Salgado sent the ball long, Jason Roberts out muscling his defender and taking a touch of the ball. Emerton scooped up on the inside, with Roberts teeing him up with a delightful backheel pass. Emerton made no mistake, burying it with his left foot.....

Blackburn 2-0 (43 min)

No changes made at the break.

Wolves again started the half the brightest. Early corners threatened the Rovers goal, however Samba and Nelsen were up to the task, clearing to safety. Michel Salgado was having a fine game down the flack, the 35 year old pulling back all the years, making delightful overlapping runs, and solid as a rock in defence.

David Dunns shift was over, with MB Diouf coming on in the 52nd minute, a sign of an attacking intent by Sam Allardyce, possibly in an attempt to appease his new boss.

Rovers went 3 up minutes later. Morten Gamst Pedersen delivered a dangerous free kick, with Ryan Nelsen pouncing ahead of the Wolves defence, poking home past Hennesey....

Blackburn 3-0 (55 min)

Many could of thought Wolves would have packed a brick wall to minimize the damage, however to their credit, Wolves created the best of the chances. Paul Robinson had other thoughts though, brilliantly parrying attempts from Doyle, Jarvis and Hunt (x2), insisting that Wolves would not score, and he would get his clean sheet bonus. Josh Morris and Benjani came on for Jason Roberts and EH Diouf

Blackburn should of made it 4 late on, with a 2 on 1 between MB Diouf and MG Pedersen. Diouf scooted away on the counter, however his crossfield pass forced Gamst to check back. The chance was still on though, however both players just couldnt hit it well, and the Wolves defence recovered in time to limit the scoring

3-0 Blackburn Full Time

Paul Robinson

What a world class display between the goals. If we conceded early, or even at 2-0, it would of boosted Wolves and changed the game, but Robbo was up to the task....Englands Number 1
Sas doesnt give 10's, and Robinson's effort was worth of the first 10 of the 2010/2011 campaign. Superb effort Solid and consistent as he should be. Was beaten to the punch a couple of times by Kevin Doyle, but he did make the vital interventions Great finish from the Admiral, marshalled the defence around well and limited Wolves' opportunities to shots from distance He just keeps getting better doesnt he? Brilliant to watch, runs around like a 16 year old on debut, defying the years Much much much better performance from the frenchman. Very solid and strong, bringing back the old form hopefully A bit sloppy in midfield, a few wayward passes early on. Call me harsh, but a defensive midfielders role is to shut down the shots from 20-30 yards, and Jonesy was not up to it tonight. A delightful run late on almost created a goal, good attacking display Good display from Dioufy, loves to cut back when on the flank, and it worked well for him today Best display of the season from Emerton. Worked well in defence, well taken goal, and could of easily had a couple more if the final pass made its way to him We love it when Gamst is on. 2 set pieces creating goals, good passing display and tracked back well Still a bit rusty Dunny, but in the 55 minute spell he had, showed us plenty of what he is capable off No goals from the big man, but if he pulls out a shift like that every week, the faithful will continue to shout his name. Wonder what Sam ALlardyce was thinking when Roberts was being chanted! Lively and pacy, but uncertain in front of goal, we have the same kind of player who is actually ours and could benefit with the same experience...step up Mr Hoillet Kid looks a talent....keep giving him the chance Roberts should of stayed on (God when did I ever think I would say that) Credit must go to Sam Allardyce. He got it wrong last week, but boy he got it right this week. Gave the lads 2 days off to freshen up and get there minds straight, sent out his best team, and got a fantastic result

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