Wigan Athletic disposed of Rovers in a clinical 3-0 win on Saturday to claim their first three points of the season.
A superb start from the Lactics set the tone for the match through Will Grigg and Nick Powell and had the hosts up by two before the break. Blackburn came out of the blocks in the second-half with a new spring in their step though and tested Adam Bogdan, before a Shane Duffy own-goal sealed the points and piled the pressure on Owen Coyle to turn the club’s fortunes around.
He is still on fire…
After not playing a single minute in Euro 2016, it took only 14 minutes for Grigg to show his quality against Blackburn. Superb instincts inside the box to get his head on a scuffed effort from Max Power gave the Latics the lead, while his presence inside the area was providing constant headaches for Duffy and Gordon Greer as he continues to ride a wave of momentum. Could have had another one or two if it was not for poor service.
Expect a big season from the Northern Irishman…the fire continues to burn.
Powell back with a bang
A return to the DW stadium was capped-off with a superb free-kick for the 22-year-old.
The prodigy of Sir Alex Ferguson returned to Wigan for free at the beginning of the season after his release from Manchester United. His opening match back in the blue stripes was sublime. Powell curled a free-kick curled into the top corner and provided constant attacking threat as the home side dominated in the final-third. After two seasons from hell, this could be his ticket for a return to prominence.
If he can recapture to the same form he had back in 2013 during his first spell at the Latics – watch out.
Rovers struggles continue with another uninspiring performance
It just seems that Blackburn have never recovered from their relegation in 2012.
Continued protests against the Venky’s ownership and a merry-go-round of coaches saw the controversial appointment of former Wigan manager, Owen Coyle. Rovers had the belief to make a run for the playoffs, however, two matches in and consecutive three goal defeats leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table.
The pressure will build quickly if Coyle cannot save his rapidly diminishing reputation and keep Blackburn’s head above water.
Graham and Stokes the key to Blackburn revival
These are two quality strikers who have the ability to change the Rovers fortunes.
Seeing Anthony Stokes and Danny Graham on the team sheet provides danger to any defence, but they are yet to show their true quality. It was not long ago when Blackburn had Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gestede banging in goals – if they want to get back to that best, these two need to be scoring regularly.
The duo has the ability to hit the double digits this season and cause havoc. Can Coyle get the best out of them before it is too late?
Promising signs for the Latics
After a disappointing loss against Bristol last week, this was the perfect response.
Coupled by their elimination in the EFL Cup by Oldham, the pressure was on Gary Caldwell to get the three points. An entirely different Wigan side showed up this past weekend, with the score-sheet providing justice to their attacking prowess. However, there are still issues in Wigan’s defence as Dan Burn looked vulnerable time and time again. On the other hand, youngster Liam Burke, in only his second game, is looking like a real talent and could be another gem to come out of the DW.
With a few weeks remaining in the transfer window, expect Caldwell to invest in some added quality around the pitch.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
