By Mark Young.
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United finally wrapped up their record breaking 19th title with a hard fought draw against struggling Blackburn Rovers. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have finally overtaken Liverpool’s haul of league titles after an equalising Wayne Rooney penalty sealed the single point the Red Devils needed.
Brett Emerton put Blackburn in front mid way through the second half and United were chasing the game throughout until Hernandez was brought down by Paul Robinson in the Rovers penalty area. Rooney dispatched the spot kick with great aplomb to send the travelling United fans into raptures. Barcelona lay in wait in two weeks time for Fergie in what should prove to be a huge test for Ferguson and his team.
Blackburn Rovers
1.Paul Robinson
Blackburn did not have too many shots against them and the ex England goalkeeper can count himself slightly unlucky to have brought down Javier Hernandez. Robinson’s dive did make contact with the little Mexican but it was going away from goal and he had no chance with Rooney’s penalty.5 (out of 10)
27. Michel Salgado
The veteran Spaniard was expected to have had a tough time up against Nani but he did well not allowing the Portuguese winger any space on the wing. He did his job well and has been a consistent performer all season for Rovers.7
4. Christopher Samba
The Blackburn Rovers captain is surely destined for bigger and better things. After a stunning performance at West Ham last weekend the big centre back put in an all action performance against United. He dominated in the air with his sheer power and was also a threatening target in the opposition box. He sliced an effort over from 12 yards.MAN OF THE MATCH 8
28. Phil Jones
The young centre back proved why there has been so much interest in his signature since the beginning of this season. He was dominating in the air and on the floor. He stopped United attacks before they got started and like his central defensive partner, bigger and better things, are to come.8
5. Gael Givet
The experienced Frenchman was another full back who was probably expecting a tough time against the powerful Antonio Valencia but again, Givet stood his ground against the Ecuadorian. There was not much attacking intent but there wasn’t too much from his team.7
7. Brett Emerton
Emerton got the goal that made nerves jangle a little longer for the United faithful. His goal was made easier thanks to a good cross from Martin Olsson and poor defending from stand in left back Jonny Evans. He had enough time to pick his spot and sweep home. He provided a cross later on for Olsson, but the Swede headed onto the bar.7
2. Jermaine Jones
Jones is very good at breaking up play and destroying it rather than creating. He sat deep all game and carried out his job to good effect. His passing left a lot to be desired but he wasn’t on the pitch for that. 6
15. Steven N’Zonzi
Did the same job as Jones and to the same effect. Little time on the ball with not much creativity but did his destroying of play job to the best of his ability. Carrick and Giggs were allowed little time on the ball. 6
3. Martin Olsson
The Swede did not get much of a chance under Sam Allardyce but has had a big impact in the second half of the season. Provided the cross for the Emerton goal and could have scored himself with a header but hit the bar. He was the most dangerous Rovers player for the majority of the game. 7
23. David Hoilett
The youngster’s energetic performance was cut short as he was replaced just before the hour after running himself into the ground. He put the United midfield and defence under severe pressure and has had a good season for Blackburn. 6
30. Jason Roberts
Isolated on his own up front and had little chance to make an impact. He held the ball up well enough but he does lack quality in front of goal. Lack of goals is Rover’s weak spot and should be investing in that in the summer, should they survive. 5
Subs.
12. Morten Gamst Pedersen
Replaced Hoillet as United started to show greater authority in midfield and struggled to make an impact. 5
8. David Dunn
Came on with just under 20 minutes remaining but hardly touched the ball after the United equaliser. 5
17. Keith Andrews
Seemed like he didn’t touch the ball after replacing the impressive Samba. 5
Man United
29. Thomas Kuszczak
With Edwin van der Sar retiring at the end of the season Kuszczak was expected to show why he should be given the number one shirt but failed miserably. He looked nervous and indecisive and in turn, filled his defenders with nerves. He nearly got caught in possession twice and flapped at a cross in the lead up to the Rovers’ goal. This performance will be pushing him very close to the Old Trafford exit door.4
20. Fabio da Silva
The Brazilian right back seems to have the right back spot nailed down since his twin has been injured. Another tenacious display will make him favourite to be starting in the same position at Wembley against Barcelona. 6
5. Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand showed class at the back as he didn’t have much to do after the Blackburn goal. He passed the ball onto Carrick and his full back’s well and when called upon, swept up well at the heart of the United defence.6
15. Nemanja Vidic
Vidic will be lifting his first league title as captain aloft next week but had a tough battle on his hands at Ewood Park. Roberts was always going to be a handful but better strikers have been stopped by the big Serbian and Roberts was dealt with well.6
23. Jonny Evans
At fault for the Blackburn goal as he was suckered in towards the ball to leave Emerton all alone, lurking at the back post. He is not a natural full back so to have an attacking threat maybe too much to ask. 5
25. Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian powerhouse was not allowed the freedom of the right hand side as he was at Old Trafford against Chelsea. He did, however produce some dangerous crosses and as always was a good out ball for the United players.6
11. Ryan Giggs
The Welshman is proving week in, week out, how important he is to this United side. His all round display was on song once again as he attempted to pull the strings in midfield. He was somewhat shackled by the deep lying Blackburn midfield but he is making United tick at present.7
16. Michael Carrick
Another confident performance from one of the improved players in the second half of the season. Good passing and strong tackling have all been part of Carrick’s game in the last few months and his performance at Ewood Park was no different.7
17. Nani
Nani almost opened the scoring in the first half as he saw a header hit the bar. He had little impact as his form has dipped in the second half of the season and will probably find himself watching the Champions League final from the bench.6
10. Wayne Rooney
Rooney scored the goal that ultimately gave United the title. A superbly dispatched penalty saw the last ten minutes at Ewood Park become a non event. Rooney tried to keep United ticking and has been vital since his overhead kick against City.7
14. Javier Hernandez
Chicharito was a buzz of energy again but was largely kept quiet by the impressive Samba and Phil Jones. The one chance where he did sneak through, the Mexican won a penalty for his side. The penalty was a touch fortunate but United’s performance deserved a point at the very least.6
Subs.
18. Paul Scholes
Scholes controlled the game when he came on as United passed the ball around in their own half without any pressure from Rovers.6
9. Dimitar Berbatov
United passed it round the back when the Premier League’s top goal scorer came on and had no chance to make an impact.5
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1 Comment
The Blackburn Rovers subs should have the same match description as berbatov, as they didnt get a chance to touch the ball with the united keepball