Ben on fire for Rovers
BEN BRERETON DIAZ led Blackburn’s fight back to respectability – but only after a shellshock start.
Rovers’ Chile International scored yet another goal, his 13th of the season, then made one for on-loan man Ian Poveda, with Reda Khadra initially rubbing out the Blades’ quick-fire opener that came after less than two minutes play.
That in itself was memorable, in that it was the first league goal for big-bucks signing Rhian Brewster, who netted superbly after an astonishing run of 35 league games without a strike for the Bramall Lane outfit.
It looked like Blackburn’s horror story was set to continue, after they lost 7-0 in midweek at home to Fulham.
Former Liverpool striker Brewster hit his breakthrough goal for the Blades after just one minute 18 seconds, much to the delight of United’s near 5,000 following.
But Blackburn answered boss Tony Mowbray’s call to “stand up as warriors and fighters” as they mounted a spirited fight-back, sending out a clear ‘Rovers Return’ message.
Brereton Diaz was furious when he was denied a ninth-minute spot-kick claim, only for ref Oliver Langford to rule no foul by Chris Basham.
Mowbray praised Poveda and Khadra for their hard running and their strikes, but added: “Brereton Diaz was magnificent. He twisted and turned players that were in the Premier League last season, and he should have had a hat-trick.
“Overall, you could see the reaction was there from our midweek defeat, and I played a lot of youthful guys too.
“They showed there is fight at this club.”
United boss Slavisa Jokanovic admitted: “Our performance was poor, especially after such a good start.
“There was a problem dealing with Blackburn’s intensity, and we made mistakes for their goals.
“We didn’t show enough speed and we didn’t stay solid. We created chances but we need to more clinical.”
Sheer persistence led to Blackburn’s deserved equaliser eight minutes before half time as Khadra did the business.
Then came Brereton Diaz’s reward for his non-stop efforts when he beat keeper Robin Olsen after good work by Lewis Travis and Poveda.
BURNLEY 4-4-2: Pope 8, Lowton 6, Tarkowski 6, Mee 6, Taylor 6, Gudmundsson 5 (Vydra 69, 7), Westwood 6, Brownhill 5, Mcneil 5, Wood 5 (Rodriguez 60, 7), Cornet 5 (Pieters 87).
Subs not used: Hennessey, Cork, Barnes, Roberts, Collins, Pieters, Long.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Nick Pope. Chelsea would have been out of sight within 10 minutes had it not been for Pope, who was impressive throughout. REFEREE:
Andre Marriner 7.