2 Points dropped at Ewood Park

So, in keeping with United's tradition, we are not going to win this one easy. There are more twists and turns and they'll keep us supporters on the edge for some more time to come. This was a strange game, not because we couldn't win or it was far from easy. We should have expected a tough physical battle against Mark Hughes' team. It was Rio and Vidic, who have been the best central defensive partnership in Europe so far, who were uncharacteristically nervy throughout the first half. It was quite a sight and they made a mess of the floated ball in the box for the first goal. Both of them at fault. Although rare, this does come at a bad time - all games we play from now on are BIG games, the ones that could make the difference between a good season and a bad one.
We have struggled every time Giggs and Scholes have started, and so we did today. Giggs especially was way below par and was rightly taken off at half time. We had small isolated spells of passing but apart from that Blackburn looked good for the lead in the first half. Tevez missed a sitter early on and didn't do anything of note in the first period. Fergie's hair dryer treatment was the order of the day and I am sure Fergie must have been waiting for the half time whistle.

We started well in the second half, Nani gave us some width and pace and did well. Rob Stiles is not the best of referees and he did deny us at least a couple of shouts for penalty. One of them was a clear handball and should have been given. I mentioned in the previous post that Brad Friedel could be crucial and he was the man of the match today. He made a string of brilliant saves to keep us at bay. It was Scholes header re-directed in by Tevez that brought us level. A huge point, a point that still gives us the chance of winning the league even if we lose at Stamford bridge. Rooney's injury towards the end was worrying but Boss confirmed he will play on Sunday.

I would still consider this as 2 points dropped rather than a point gained. It's quite disappointing that the team didn't show up in the first half. All eyes on Wednesday now, with Barca also struggling domestically, this is an interesting fixture in the making. They have quality all over the park but I think the game will be won in the midfield and how we line up and deal with their playmakers will be something to look forward to. More on that coming up next.