Kean Silences Critics as Fragile Gunners Continue to Misfire

Blackburn manager Steve Kean yesterday hit back at his critics who had claimed his days at the Rovers helm were numbered with a stunning 4-3 victory over Arsenal at Ewood Park. Rovers came out on top of a thrilling yet often shambolic encounter in which Arsene Wenger’s side again capitulated in defence against their stronger, more rugged opposition - scoring 2 own goals in the process. Around 200 fans had protested against Kean before the match as his side had struggled so far in the season and started the day bottom of the table. However, the shock result will give the defiant Kean at least some breathing space after he once again insisted he has the full backing of owners Venky’s. Jubilant Kean could not hide his delight at the final whistle as the result saw them leapfrog their opposition in the table. However, bookmakers still see the victory as nothing more than a stay of execution.

In contrast to Kean, Wenger again cut a forlorn figure following the match as he faces the unlikely prospect – dependant on today’s results admittedly - of being in the bottom 3 in the Premier League having already lost 3 of their 5 league games and with only 1 victory on the board against newcomers Swansea City. Wenger confessed his side currently looked “fragile” and that they were suffering a crisis of confidence following their 8-2 schooling at Old Trafford. Having lost key personnel in the form of Fabregas and Nasri the Frenchman must now be feeling the pressure more than ever as his club seek an ever elusive major trophy.

Blackburn's Samba Request Move Away from Ewood

Blackburn centre back Chris Samba has requested a move away from Ewood Park in the wake of the sacking of former manager Sam Allardyce by the club's new owners and the growing unrest within the squad. Seemingly disillusioned by the recent unfolding of events at the Lancashire club, the giant defender has stunned fans and new manager Steve Kean alike by requesting a move away from Rovers. Arguably ranking as one of the Premier League's most underrated defenders, Samba has established himself at Rovers on the back of displays of supreme strength and aerial dominance which has been a potent weapon for Rovers as part of the club's defense and attack in the previous couple of seasons.

 

But now it seems the Blackburn man is set for pastures new - with high flyers Arsenal apparently interested in signing the Blackburn powerhouse as manager Wenger seeks to add some much needed steel to their stylishly assembled squad during the forthcoming January transfer window. The 26 year old defender’s desire to leave Ewood is also very much on the radar of Fulham manager Mark Hughes who had previously signed Samba for Blackburn when he managed there in 2007. The loss of Samba would be a big blow for Blackburn and their ambitious new owners who stated they are looking to finish in the Europa League places in this year's Premier League.

Big Sam Backtracks on “Managing Worlds Top Clubs” Claims

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has today backtracked on his somewhat outrageous claims made earlier this week that he would be fit to manage any of the worlds top clubs and “would win the double or the league every time”. Big Sam has however claimed that his somewhat amusing comments had been purely meant as a tongue in cheek way of expressing his personal desire and driving ambition to improve as a manager and ultimately drive his managerial career to the highest levels in world football.

Blackburn have enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League season under Allardyce and remain unbeaten so far, but his claims that his combative and often direct “long ball” style of football under which his teams tend to operate would be welcome at the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United has been a source of great banter and debate by English football fans and the media alike this week. However, as ever Big Sam remains unperturbed and will look to drive his Blackburn side forward when they face Aston Villa in tonight’s League Cup 3rd round clash at Villa Park.

Chelsea Send Warning To Tital Rivals Ahead Of Sunday Showdown At Anfield

Chelsea sent a major warning to title rivals Liverpool and Manchester United ahead of today's massive clash at Anfield by demolishing a poor Blackburn Rovers side at The Bridge. The Blues never moved out of third gear in their 5 - 0 victory over Rovers who saw their dreadful away form continue. A dominant performance from Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba and a continuation of England midfield star Frank Lampard's return to form swept aside a Blackburn outfit that must now face a further daunting away trip to Old Trafford next weekend. Ghana international Michael Essien also fired in from long range on an afternoon of total Chelsea domination, where The Blues could have racked up a cricket score. The 5 nil rout was in fact Chelsea's biggest ever win against the Lancastrians and sent them back to the Premier League summit ahead of Man United's visit to Anfield this afternoon. United can however go back to the top of the Premier League if they beat Rafa Benitez' struggling Reds this afternoon.

Pompey Handed Defoe Fitness Boost

Breaking news suggests that Portsmouth striker Jermaine Defoe has been handed a big fitness boost ahead of the weekends Premiership fixtures. The England star was injured during international duty in last weeks friendly against Germany and recent reports had suggested he may have faced surgery on the niggling calf injury - which would have seen him sidelined for around a month. However, after consulting a specialist the injury appears to be less extensive than initially feared, and Defoe may even be passed fit to partner giant striker Peter Crouch in Saturday's Premier League clash against struggling Blackburn. Portsmouth manager Tony Adams will no doubt be delighted with the news that his leading scorer will soon be back in action, having already seen Defoe notch up 7 goals this season.