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Blackburn Rovers produced a woeful first half performance against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park on Sunday. Boro were good value for their 1-0 half-time lead, courtesy of a Britt Assombalonga strike. Despite a second half improvement, Rovers couldn’t overturn the deficit and slumped to their fourth consecutive Championship defeat.

After the game, Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray gave his verdict on his side’s first half display.

What he said

As quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray was damning in his assessment of his team’s performance.

The 55-year-old said, “I didn’t recognise many of them first half I would have to say…We didn’t compete, I’m not sure where it came from.”

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Mowbray acknowledged that his side showed more spirit and quality after the break, but the game was lost in the opening 45 minutes, “we nearly sneaked something in the second half which was much better, but the first half we don’t see want any performances of that level ever again.”

Rovers are currently 14th in Championship and probably safe from relegation fears, but Mowbray must arrest his side’s dismal run of form soon. His comments after Sunday’s defeat indicate the frustration he is feeling with his squad.

What he meant

Mowbray’s words can be considered as a warning to his squad. The likes of Jack Rodwell and Corry Evans need to improve. There is some talent in this Blackburn squad, but they aren’t showing it.

Mowbray will hope that his public condemnation of their first half display elicits a positive response from the group. 

In the opening period against Middlesbrough, Rovers didn’t manage a single shot on target and were penned back in their own territory for much of the half. In a home game, that simply isn’t acceptable. Mowbray’s words need to have their intended effect, for the sake of the remainder of Blackburn’s season.