Blackburn Rovers rise to Todd Cantwell’s challenge to signal top-six intent

Blackburn Rovers rise to Todd Cantwell’s challenge to signal top-six intent

Although little is ever accomplished at the beginning of December, Blackburn Rovers may be quite happy with their sixth-place finish from 18 Championship games.

If John Eustace’s team had played and defeated Portsmouth, they might have finished fifth. For the first time since March 2023, they have won four straight games after defeating Hull City.

Another victory on the road was secured when Callum Brittian’s cross bounced off Sean McLoughlin’s thigh. Hull City suffered the same fate as Middlesbrough and Leeds United when they attempted to find a way back into the game, making it three straight.

The points were all that counted, even though it wasn’t a masterpiece. These are the main conclusions drawn from the victory at MKM Stadium.

Doesn’t it sound good? Blackburn Rovers had won another away game and recorded another shutout. They didn’t need to be at their best to defeat Hull, but this was likely the worst of their four game-winning efforts.

The weather was extremely difficult and did not allow for free-flowing football. It was clear from away that this would not be a typical encounter.

The audience and squad, however, had their tails up with Ruben Selles introduced prior to kickoff, and Rovers had to fight the weather. Before kickoff, the Tigers may have been winless in nine games, but that should be kept in mind.

It was crucial to score first, and it was yet another outstanding team objective. After overcoming the thirds, Rovers received a bit of luck.

Callum Brittain put the ball in the right area and it only needed a touch. It was clear from that point Rovers were pretty happy to shut up shop and defend their 18-yard box.

But Rovers battled the elements against a team, and crowd, that had their tails up with Ruben Selles introduced before kick-off. The Tigers might have been winless in nine prior to kick-off but that context should be remembered.

Scoring first was vital and it was another really impressive team goal. Rovers built through the thirds and then they got a slice of fortune. But many say you make your own luck in football and indeed life.

Callum Brittain put the ball in the right area and it only needed a touch. It was clear from that point Rovers were pretty happy to shut up shop and defend their 18-yard box.

They didn’t have a shot on target until Owen Beck’s late strike down the throat of the goalkeeper. So it would be wrong to paint this as a vintage performance.

Another clean sheet

However, I didn’t think Rovers were in any genuine danger of losing in the second half. Once more, they denied the opponents many easy opportunities.

The first half had the better openings. Aynsley Pears made a double save against Chris Bedia and Ryan Longman after saving Kasey Palmer’s free-kick onto the bar.

However, Abu Kamara had the greatest chance. He appeared set to score after Ryan Gilves’ cross was diverted to him at the back post. To keep it out, Owen Beck made a fantastic block.

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