Blackburn v Liverpool 03/11/96 3.00Blackburn (2) 3 Liverpool (0) 0 FT Sutton 3 (pen),56 Wilcox 24 Blackburn Rovers cast their problems aside to chalk up their first Premiership triumph of a troubled season, leaving much-fancied Liverpool overwhelmed and decidedly second best. The good times returned to Ewood Park as Rovers, managerless and without a top flight win for six months, turned in a vintage all-action display against the title favourites. Liverpool were chasing shadows as Rovers established a two goal advantage in a sizzling opening 24 minutes. An early penalty, converted by leading scorer Chris Sutton, and a far post tap in from Jason Wilcox, his first goal of the campaign, put Rovers in the driving season. 
When Sutton added number three the first time he has scored twice in a match since October 1994 after 55 minutes it was all over for the visitors. Indeed, it took Liverpool 72 minutes to register a shot on target and even then Tim Flowers dealt comfortably with Robbie Fowler's weak effort. Rovers dominated for the most part and were full value for a morale boosting victory a massive boost for caretaker boss Tony Parkes. Blackburn were ahead inside three minutes, Billy McKinlay's pass releasing Tim Sherwood, who in turn sent Sutton racing clear only for the £5million striker to be tripped by Phil Babb. Sutton sent David James the wrong way with the spot kick and Blackburn were on their way. McKinlay, a driving force in midfield, saw a long range effort deflected just wide while Garry Flitcroft sent a power header inches over. Blackburn's second came on 24 minutes. Flitcroft was instrumental in the build-up and when Kevin Gallacher's deep cross from the right eluded the visitors' defence Wilcox was on hand at the far post to strike from unmissable range. The introduction of Jamie Redknapp breathed some life into lethargic Liverpool who enjoyed their best spell in the closing minutes of the first half, Fowler smashing a volley too high and Patrick Berger firing just wide after a neat lay off by skipper John Barnes. 
Blackburn struck a decisive third blow 10 minutes after half time with one of the finest goals seen at Ewood Park in the wake of Alan Shearer's departure. Five men were involved in the build-up and Gallacher again provided the telling cross from which Sutton bent forward to glance a header beyond a stranded James. Liverpool introduced Stan Collymore and for a time they threatened to pull one back but Flowers came into his own with saves from Fowler and Barnes. When Redknapp sent a free kick some 10 yards high late on it summed up Liverpool's woeful afternoon. At the death Blackburn could have had a fourth, substitute Lars Bohinen sending a screaming left foot drive across James and just wide. 
Blackburn: Flowers, Kenna, Sherwood, Hendry, Le Saux, Gallacher (Bohinen, 79), Wilcox, Sutton, McKinlay, Berg, Flitcroft. Subs not used: Ripley, Marker, Fenton, Given. Booked: McKinlay, Berg. Liverpool: James, McAteer, Wright, Babb, McManaman, Fowler, Barnes, Berger (Collymore, 59), Thomas, Bjornebye (Redknapp, 34), Matteo. Subs not used: Scales, Ruddock, Warner. Booked: Babb, Fowler. Attendance: 29,598. Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley). |
