Rovers player ratings from the win over Luton Town.
Thomas Kaminski 8
His best moment was a 93rd minute catch from a corner, relieving the pressure on Rovers, while his one save just before that to deny Dewsbury-Hall. Can be in too much of a rush at times to distribute the ball which is an area to focus on.
Ryan Nyambe 7
Locked in a good battle with Clark, one he got the better of, making some smart blocks inside the box in both halves. Did seem a little reluctant at times to carry the ball forward as we’ve become accustomed.
Darragh Lenihan 8
Backed up his performance at Boro with another strong showing. His awareness was key, stopping several Luton attacks with interceptions around the box. Made seven tackles and eight clearances and more than played his part in the defensive effort.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Just one goal conceded in the three games in which he’s started. A towering figure in the air, and one excellent tackle on Mpanzu in the first half. The surface didn’t help his quest to bring the ball out from the back.
Barry Douglas 8
Could arguably be Rovers’ player of the month given his upturn in performances. A late clearance off the line was invaluable, but his defensive work, winning five headers and three tackles coupled with attacking threat, made it an all-round excellent display.
Stewart Downing 6
Got the nod in the centre of midfield given the injuries and did look to get Rovers moving forward with his passing. One excellent block from an Mpanzu shot after a quick break forward.
Lewis Travis 7
Still undoubtedly working his way back to full fitness and did well to complete the full 90 minutes as he flagged late on. Had a rough spell around the hour, booked for a foul and gave the ball away twice, but had the better of the midfield battle in the first half to get Rovers moving forward.
Harvey Elliott 6
Channelled his inner Marvin Emnes with a fine bit of control but couldn’t complete it with the finish as he fired over. Made a bright start but fizzled out of the game as it wore on, with the manager not always happy with his work off the ball, before being replaced.
Joe Rothwell 6
Played from the left and recent weeks have shown that’s probably not the way to get the best out of him. Another who started well but faded.
Ben Brereton 6
Played more as a strike partner for Armstrong, rather than from the left, and was targeted as Rovers looked to go that bit more direct. A few balls flashing across the box that he couldn’t take advantage of. Another whose departure felt like the right decision.
Adam Armstrong 7
The Armstrong of a couple of months ago would have undoubtedly finished off an early chance, but the positive was that he stayed alert for when his next big moment came to head home the winner. His second headed goal of the season, and third late winner at Ewood.
Subs
Sam Gallagher (for Brereton, 60) 7
If Rovers are going to go more direct at home, then he could well be in for some more game-time. Did the trick of the bench to claim an assist for Armstrong’s winner.
Bradley Dack (for Rothwell, 60) 6
Thumped a free kick high over the bar with one of his first touches, and managed just 11 in all in what was a very bitty game that lacked fluency.
Tyrhys Dolan (for Elliott, 60) 7
Skipped beyond Pearson with an excellent bit of wing play and had an excellent opening which he fired over the top from 12 yards. Has felt a little under-used of late, but showed what he can offer in a lively display.
Lewis Holtby (for Downing, 60) 7
Was given an important role after coming on to try and carve something out and did just that, his cross leading to the goal. Had a chance of his own, and did some decent work off the ball too after being introduced.
Not used: Aynsley Pears, Tyler Magloire, Elliott Bennett, Corry Evans, John Buckley
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