Post-match analysis thread:
Derby County 0-4 Blackburn Rovers

Likes, RT's, questions and interactions all appreciated and encouraged!

Player heatmaps kick us off as per usual. An interesting day where I think Rovers reverted very much to a traditional 4-3-3 operation, giving the wingers room to breath and not putting too much pressure on Amari'i Bell and Joe Rankin-Costello at full-back

The 'Bar", Brereton Armstrong and Rothwell, basically ran proceedings on Saturday. Rothwell had what I would call his best game in a #Rovers shirt, and both Brereton and Armstrong were extremely lively.

Our average pitch positions map shows us that Bell and JRC didn't roam completely free as often as they did against Wycombe, and in some games prior in 2020/21. Dolan and Brereton tucked in tight and Holtby sat deepest of the three midfielders.

Data time now and the possession stats make for interesting reading. #Rovers quite cleverly allowed Derby to maintain their passive, defensive-half passing rituals, waiting and pouncing on the many mistakes that came

Attacking wise, WOW! Rovers 50% cross accuracy is significantly above league average, and yet again it's amazing to see us outscore our xG column by nearly double, showing our much more clinical side in 20/21.

I'd be loathed not to mention Bradley Johnson before we get onto my star picks for the week, he got himself two more goals to make it three for the season, but most importantly he was everywhere on Saturday. His stats make for good reading!

But for me the star of the show was Joe Rothwell. He was absolute everywhere on the pitch, running with intensity and we'll be analysing his individual game in a bit more detail below. Here are some of his incredible stats from the game against #DCFC.

Not only did JR8 produce several key dribbles such as this, but he also looked much more composed and mature both in and out of possession

#BRFC #Rovers #COYB

This little compilation shows his willingness to put a challenge in, press high up the field, play the simple ball but know when to unleash his awe-inspiring dribbles up field.

In terms of shape, as we mentioned, this was a much more simplistic 4-3-3. The adaptable style of Rovers formation is something that will give opposition managers sleepless nights.

From the first four seconds in this game we had a high press, throwing 7 bodies into the attacking third of the pitch, winning back possession instantly and getting on the attack.

But similarly, when countered, Rovers managed to track back impressively. The intensity in the running, the stamina and fitness levels, all magnificent. Rovers had 7 bodies on the line here, with Ben Brereton running the full length of the field to help defend in his own box.

Speaking of Ben Brereton, I though BB20 had one of his best games for #Rovers against Derby County too. His link-up and hold-up play both reminiscent of former Rovers striker Danny Graham.

He tucked in from his LWF position consistently, providing space corridors through the central and left-central channels. Lewis Holtby, who's passing range is just disgustingly brilliant, found him in these pockets throughout the 90 minutes.

Once in possession in these pockets, Brereton's drive to push forward on the ball at speed helped #Rovers get up the pitch.

I can't end our post-match analysis without talking about the boy wonder. @TyrhysDolan10 was again impressive on the right hand side, making defenders squirm and showing some real end product. 2 goals in 2 games for Dolan now and we're all absolutely behind him

It's awesome to see @BradJohnson15 scoring the kind of goals he's scored throughout his career. He was always a player to fear when he featured for Norwich, Derby and Leeds, and now I think he offers a new dynamic to our goalscoring abilities #BRFC #Rovers

Another tough test next week against #CCFC, but #BRFC have shown that they're up for the challenge. Keep up this work rate, this high-press and the confidence to score 4+ goals a game, and this really, genuinely, actually... could be our year!