Blackburn Rovers were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at Ewood Park, ending their perfect home record this season.
The result, in a clash between two promotion hopefuls, saw West Brom extend their winless run to five matches, but captain Darnell Furlong believes they should have had a penalty.
This was a hard-fought encounter between the sixth and fifth-placed teams in the league, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. For Carlos Corberan’s West Brom, it marked their third consecutive draw and a continuation of their struggles to find a winning touch.
Even Contest at Ewood Park
Chances were shared in a lively first half. Blackburn’s Todd Cantwell tested Albion’s Alex Palmer with a powerful shot, while Joe Rankin-Costello had a golden opportunity but fired wide when one-on-one with the keeper. Ohashi also came close, shooting across the face of goal.
West Brom, too, had their moments, with captain Darnell Furlong narrowly missing the target after beating the offside trap. Torbjorn Heggem struck the post with a low shot, and McNair came close to connecting with a cross from winger Tom Fellows.
Controversial Moments but No Breakthrough
The second half saw a significant moment of controversy when Furlong tumbled in the box after a challenge from Cantwell, but his penalty appeal was waved away. Just minutes later, a similar incident led to a free-kick for the Baggies outside the area, frustrating the visitors.
Karlan Grant had West Brom’s best chance late on, forcing a sharp save from Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears with a fierce shot at the near post. However, both sides lacked the clinical edge needed to secure all three points, and the match ended in Albion’s third consecutive draw.
West Brom captain Furlong, speaking to BBC Radio WM, was less satisfied:
“We’ve got to feel like this was two points dropped for us. We had the better chances, and I should have had a penalty. It was the major talking point in the game. How can it be a foul in one part of the pitch and not in the penalty area?”
Writer’s View
While Blackburn will be content with another clean sheet, their inability to break down a resolute West Brom side will be a concern for Eustace. For the Baggies, this result shows their defensive strength, but their lack of cutting edge in front of goal continues to hold them back from turning draws into vital wins.
