Manchester United Vs. Blackburn Rovers, 2011 Premier League: Stunning Victory For Rovers

Blackburn Rovers came away with a surprise 3 points after a stupendous against Manchester United, though, it has to be said, United were missing Wayne Rooney among other defenders and midfielders. Blackburn, though, were also missing key defenders, and were well worth the victory.

They took the lead after 16 minutes, in classic Blackburn fashion. Dimitar Berbatov hauled down Chris Samba when the big centre half controlled Mark Bunn’s freekick, to give Rovers a penalty. Yakubu took it, and slammed it to the right of David De Gea, giving Rovers a shock lead. Understandably, they went into defensive mode for the rest of the half, and started that way for the second half. However, they were to get the second goal; Yakubu picking up a loose ball before dribbling past Phil Jones and slotting under De Gea to give Rovers a 2 goal advantage.

75 seconds later, though, United responded, as they always do. Antonio Valencia’s cross was blocked, but it came to Rafael Da Silva, who mishit his shot onto Dimitar Berbatov’s head. 38 minutes to go, and now it looked like United would comeback and win, as they have so often through Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. 10 minutes later, they were level, again through Berbatov. Morten Gamst Pedersen’s clearance went straight to Anderson, who passed for Valencia, who drove into the box before cutting back for Berbatov who slammed home. 2-2, and United surely on course to complete the comeback. However, after they equalised, the pressure dropped off, and it was Blackburn who scored, 9 minutes from time. David De Gea has been criticised for his performance under pressure, and he disappointed again, coming off his line and punching the corner straight up in the air, for Grant Hanley to head home for his first Premier League goal.