Blackburn Player Ratings

Given- 6. One good save when on the edge of the box. No particularly exceptional saves. Could have been more vocal on a couple of occasions where mix ups lead to soft corners.

Zabaleta- 5. His poorest performance recently. Looked shaky defensively, and was caught out a few times. A few good passes when going forward. Would expect him to be a casualty of an injury free defense.

Richards- 8. A completely different than the one that started the season (United game in particular). Very solid defensively, and an excellent barnstorming run forward to slot in Benjani, and stayed alert enough to finish well. One of the winners of the Mancini Era thus far.

Kompany- 7. Again, looked very solid in the middle of the park. Watching him play filled me with more confidence than any other player in those positions thus far this season. Made a costly mistake that lead to Blackburns goal and possible resurgence.

Garrido- 6. An unremarkable performance. Looked better going forward than defending. One I would expect to drop to the bench when Bridge returns from injury, to be used as a sub for midfield.

Petrov- 6. Not his best performance this season. Played on the right wing for most of the game, and played some good balls in, but nothing to suggest he should start ahead of a fit SWP.

De Jong- 7. A solid, if unremarkable performance. Broke up a physical Blackburn side in the middle of the park and played some good balls. Gave away a few silly fouls in the first half, but im not sure if he wasn't just announcing his intent.

Barry- 7. Similar to De Jong. A very solid performance in the middle of the park. Broke up the Blackburn movement forward well, and played some good balls forward.

Bellamy- 5. Quiet. Started on the right, but soon shifted to the left. Some good wing work, but nothing extraordinary.

Tevez- 9.5. Outstanding. All over the pitch, always looking for the ball, willing to give the killer pass, and world class finishing. Fully deserved his hat trick, could have easily had 5. If he stays in this form, contender for player of the season.

Benjani- 5. Perhaps harsh. Set up the first two goals, albeit by missing shots he should have buried. Good strength for the third however, but looked slow and lacking sharpness, which is to be expected when you are 13 months without a game. Would expect him to lose his place to RSC or Adebayor when available.

Subs

Santa Cruz- 6. A fairly average performance. Selfish on one chance where he could have slipped Tevez in.

Robinho- 6.5. Looked hungry. Still issues defending (we looked weakest just after he game on). A good shot from distance. Clear he is still recovering from three months out, and lacking confidence. Needs game time.

Botaya- NA. Too late to mark.