Blackburn Rovers' January transfer argument strengthened after...

The Blackburn Rovers gained their unexpected 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough by defying the Championship form book.

On Teesside, John Eustace’s team bravely defended their box and capitalised on an opportunity at the other end to

win three more points. The winner was offside, which was a hint of luck, but no one who believes in blue and white matters.

Although Middlesbrough may feel wronged by that choice, the game’s balance is unaffected. They were only given

half-chances and were unable to put Aynsley Pears to the test, as the Rovers goalie ended the match without making

any significant saves.

Game plan worked to perfection

Okay, the winning goal itself was a bit of a lucky break, but Rovers did not “rob” Middlesbrough. The away team had

periods of strong possession and hazardous territory during the first half, which was a fairly evenly matched match.

The best the hosts could provide was George Edmondson’s effort at the other end. When the center-backs attempted

to advance the ball, Rovers sat in the middle of the block, gave them possession, and then sprung.

Sondre Tronstad and Lewis Travis were excellent at maintaining their composure and pressing when it was

appropriate. Due to the centre being crowded, Middlesbrough was forced to the sides. For Dom Hyam and Danny

Batth, the crosses in the box represented food and drink.

To win away at a team that will have underachieved if they don’t make the top-six, you usually need your goalkeeper

to perform heroics. But Pears was only tested with two routine efforts on target.

A goal of supreme quality

It’s offside, indeed. However, the move that gave Hyam the chance to score was also of outstanding brilliance.

After scoring three fantastic goals—especially the opening two—at Cardiff, this combined play was equally visually

appealing. Todd Cantwell and Owen Beck were incredibly quick thinkers.

Cantwell fizzed in Travis’ pass, but he deflected it wonderfully to Beck, and his little flick was delightful. Hyam had

gotten ahead of his defender and scored his first goal of the year.

John Eustace is doing a remarkable job

In my estimation, Rovers have played roughly 200 minutes of Championship football this season and have been

“poor.” After 16 games, that takes work.

There’s only Coventry, the second half at Sheffield United and an hour at Plymouth where you could argue the team

were truly second-best. This team is delivering a pretty high degree of consistency in their performances, even if the

results didn’t follow before the international break.

We must keep in mind that their talisman was gone. late recruitment and upfront use of inexperienced athletes.

Everyone should keep in mind the condition of this club when Eustace took over, and he is doing an excellent job.

January conundrum

Given everything mentioned above, what could this team accomplish with some January investment? They are

obviously a top-half team at best, but could they finish in the top six if they could add a little extra magic at the top

end of the field? Eustace has gained some support, and the Championship’s financial gravity could leave everyone

wondering, “What if?”

Blackburn Rovers’ January transfer argument strengthened after defying gravity