After an initial scare for the home side when Peter Odemwingie stung Paul Robinson's palms in the first minute, the match (and most of the viewers) went to sleep for about half an hour. Thankfully, it's since sprung into life with sustained attacks from both teams, eventually resulting in a vital opening goal for Blackburn Rovers. Gabriel Tamas might feel unfortunate to have put the ball into his own net, but Rovers have edged their guests in shooting chances and if not for the good work of Boaz Myhill in West Bromwich Albion's goal would have scored even earlier. Chris Samba came very close to scoring twice from low long range efforts, the first being pushed wide by the Welsh keeper after travelling 18 yards through a crowded box and the second grazing the side netting from even further out. After Tamas's own goal, Myhill was called on yet again to prevent David Hoilett from extending Blackburn's lead, but his flying save beat the Canadian's close-range shot behind for a corner.
Blackburn Rovers vs. West Bromwich Albion: Halftime Sees Rovers Up 1-0
West Brom are attacking mostly down the flanks, using their wide players to cause Blackburn’s fullbacks trouble. The juiciest clash is left winger Jerome Thomas against right back Michel Salgado. Thomas has already taken Salgado to the cleaners several times this match, and if the Baggies are going to get back into the game, the goal will probably come from either flank play down that side or utilising Odemwingie’s speed to get in behind the Blackburn defence. Both teams have been pressing extremely effectively, which is resulting in a very fast match, with lots of turnovers in midfield and rapid counterattacks by each side.
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