Blackburn v Liverpool Match Report

It was a crazy night at Ewood Park when Liverpool defeated Blackburn 3-2 in the final minutes.


Manager Kenny Dalglish made several changes to the previous line-up in anticipation of the upcoming FA Cup semi-final at the weekend, including resting captain Steven Gerrard, but the side did not seem weak in the slightest.

After 13 minutes, Maxi Rodriguez proved just that. Martin Skrtel picked out Craig Bellamy, who then crossed it beautifully to the Argentinian. Maxi easily put it past Rovers keeper Paul Robinson.

It only took a couple minutes later for Maxi to repeat it, putting the Reds two up after both Andy Carroll and Jonjo Shelvey were denied their chance to be on the scoresheet.

All seemed well until a messy back pass from Jon Flanagan caused stand in keeper Alexander Doni to fumble and take down Blackburn’s Juinor Hoilett in the process. Doni was shown an immediate red card, and Brad Jones stepped up take his place. Jones was able to save Yakubu’s penalty as his first touch.

In the 36th minute, Blackburn scored their first goal of the evening from a free kick by David Dunn that was then headed into the net by Yakubu.

The Rovers were granted a second penalty 61 minutes in when Jones pushed Yakubu in the box and was given a yellow. This time, he would make it past Jones, granting the home side some hope for a draw.

It looked to be a draw when the game came into extra time, but Carroll saved the day and claimed all three points for the Reds. Daniel Agger passed the ball high into the box where Carroll was able to gain control and put it past Robinson, claiming victory for the Reds after a long drought.

Blackburn v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool seemed to have the fight taken out of them last night as they suffered a horrific 3-1 defeat against Blackburn at Ewood Park last night.


Even though Roy Hodgson ended up putting Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard in the starting lineup, unlike he previously stated, it was not enough as the team failed to connect.

The agony for the Reds started in the 32nd minute when the Rovers’ Olsson easily made it past Liverpool’s defence and stunned keeper Pepe Reina.

The second goal for Blackburn came only minutes later. Striker Benjani took a power shot giving Reina no chance as it flew into the back of the net.

Liverpool’s response was right before the half time whistle when Skrtel hit the ball too high over the bar from a Gerrard corner.

Liverpool utilized their first sub defender Daniel Agger on for Kyrgiakos just after halftime. Two minutes later, the Reds’ finally took some charge but an effort from Joe Cole was fruitless as the ball went right into the hands of Blackburn keeper Bunn.

Four minutes later though, Blackburn’s Benjani scored his second goal, 3rd for the night for Blackburn, being set up but Hoilett who made it past a messy Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson.

Hodgson subbed Maxi Rodriguez for Dirk Kuyt right after, but it was too little too late.

The best chance up to that point for the Reds was 66 minutes in when Joe Cole put the ball in Torres’ path, only for him to kick it over the goal.

Less than ten minutes left in the match, a ball from Torres bounced off of Rovers’ Nelson and at the feet of Gerrard, who then put it in the back of the net, giving Liverpool their only goal of the night.

However, they did have a second chance when a penalty was given to Liverpool after Salgado fouled Gerrard in the box. Gerrard uncharacteristically put it over the bar, failing to grab that second goal.

Roy Hodgson said in his post-match interview: “If you are Liverpool and lose to Blackburn, there is nothing that can be said to put a positive slant on things.”

Hodgson’s future, already in doubt after a bad start to the season, has come under heavy fire now after the defeat at Ewood Park.

“It has been a really bad day for me and there is not much I can add other than to assure the fans that their depression is being felt in the dressing room,” he continued. “I don’t intend answering any questions about my position, so that’s it.”

Blackburn v Liverpool Match Preview

Reds’ midfielder Joe Cole scored a last minute winner against Bolton last Saturday, possibly sparking a revival in Liverpool’s less than stellar season.

The win could not have come at a better time for Roy Hodgson, whose Liverpool managerial career could be on the line.

Although the Reds’ away form has been poor, they need nothing but a win at Ewood Park tomorrow night against the Blackburn Rovers.

However, Blackburn suffer against Liverpool, winning only once against them in their last 20 meetings.

The last time the two sides met, Liverpool won 2-1 over the Rovers at Anfield with goals from Fernando Torres and Sotorios Kyrgiakos.

New Rovers’ boss Steve Kearn is looking for his first home win since taking over the position from Sam Allardyce last month.

Although Reds’ striker Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard played vital roles in their win over Bolton on New Year’s Day, Roy Hodgson admitted that they may be rested Wednesday ahead of a busy January schedule.

Liverpool could play up to nine times this month due to the FA Cup starting and making up December’s postponed matches.

Blackburn will be without key players, but mainly due to injury. This includes the likes of Grant Hanley, Chris Samba and Vince Grella, who was hoping to make his comeback but suffered an Achilles flareup during training.

Winger Brett Emerton is also out while representing Australia in the Asian Cup.

Kick-off is at 8:00pm.