Blackburn review

Last updated: 13th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Blackburn review

Dunn: Excellent season

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BLACKBURN

What Went Right?

Sam Allardyce took over Rovers when they were in the bottom three, and has now pushed them back towards mid-table. Their record since the turn of the year is certainly impressive, and not one of a side who should have been in any danger of relegation - just five losses from 17 games, including taking points off Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea. David Dunn's form has been an unexpected but welcome bonus.

What Went Wrong?

An erratic start to the season and a nine-game winless run before Christmas ensured they would not make earth-shattering progress, but over the season it is their away form that has kiboshed any chance of significant progress. As good as Rovers are at Ewood, they are bad on the road, with only three wins eked out. There are lingering concerns about their style of play, but Blackburn can hardly claim to have expected anything different. They might have expected more than two league goals from the £6m Nikola Kalinic though.

Are They Happy?

Probably just about. Allardyce has been building for a year and a half now, so next season will be the time to truly judge.

Signing of the season

Steven N'Zonzi. It is reported the giant midfielder cost only around £500,000. If that fee is correct, then Sam Allardyce pulled a real rabbit out of his hat. The 21-year-old played 33 league games during his debut season at Ewood Park and has been compared to Patrick Vieira.

Flop of the season

Nikola Kalinic. As already touched upon, a return of two goals from 26 league appearances is not great. Especially as it is reported Rovers paid around £6million to Hajduk Split for the striker's services. Must do better.

Star man

David Dunn. The creative midfielder enjoyed a fine campaign at Ewood Park, offering some craft amid the rough and tumble of Blackburn's play. Dunn managed a healthy and impressive tally of nine league goals this term, even igniting whispers of an England call.

Breakthrough player

Phil Jones. The youngster recently put pen-to-paper on a new deal at Ewood Park such has been his swift rise to prominence. Arsenal have been linked with the centre-back, who has made light work of easing his way into the top-flight at just 18.

High point

They got to the semi-finals of the League Cup before that thrilling exit against Aston Villa. While in the league, stand-out highlights include their fine home record which saw them beat Arsenal and hold Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Low point

It was a slow start to the season with a 6-2 loss at Arsenal evidence of their stuttering beginning. Their away record has also been ropey.

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Comments (2)

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Graeme H (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...

Bit harsh on Kalinic - he worked his socks off, had not support from midfield and his link up play and work off the ball was fantastic. Lots to come from this young player. May I say the author of this article obviously hasn't attended many Blackburn games this year!

Posted 14:08 13th May 2010

Carl Lever (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...

Fair analysis on the whole - although I would dispute Nikola Kalinic as being flop of the season. He is only 21 and scored in the league cup games - he wasn't supposed to feature much this season according to Allardyce, but when he has played he has always impressed. Biggest flop for me would be from Vince Grella, El Hadji Diouf or Keith Andrews. All have failed to show real premiership class and have contributed very little to the team this season. The positives are there in abundance however, and the future looks bright with the amount of youth coming through the ranks.

Posted 13:53 13th May 2010
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