Blackburn Rovers achieved a second consecutive away league victory, their first such streak since last season's November, with a 1-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
Manager Valerien Ismael praised the team's organization after a fortnight reflecting on a home loss to Norwich and scrutinized transfers.
Despite vast summer turnover, eight starters were holdovers, including academy graduates Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton in central defense.
Wharton, returning from a horrendous knee injury that sidelined him last season, was colossal in aerial duels and positioning.
Carter, 25, overcame injuries for his first league outing this season.
Their partnership complemented each other, bolstering a defense conceding one goal in three away games, earning six points from nine.
The winning goal showcased Japanese internationals Yuki Ohashi assisting Ryoya Morishita on debut, who finished coolly after earlier hitting the bar.
Morishita, Ismael's top target from Legia Warsaw with 12 goals and assists last season, impressed with skill and involvement.
Substitutes Andri Gudjohnsen and Taylor Gardner-Hickman debuted impactfully; Gudjohnsen linked well and nearly won a penalty, while Gardner-Hickman stabilized after Sondre Tronstad's injury, shifting to a back three with Lewis Miller.
Ismael noted bigger tests ahead, like facing Ipswich and ex-player Sam Szmodics, but this boosts confidence.
Rovers' relentless approach and steel, despite not peaking, reflect progress under Ismael.
2025-09-15 20:17:00
Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael was furious with referee Anthony Backhouse's 'unacceptable' reaction after he turned down a penalty appeal following Todd Cantwell’s cross striking a Charlton player's arm.
2025-09-29 22:34:00
Highlights from EFL matches include Sheffield United's win and Walsall topping League Two.
2025-09-29 15:24:00
Consecutive defeats have put significant pressure on Portsmouth FC manager John Mousinho, who now faces a crucial match against Watford to avoid their encouraging start to the season from ‘feeling a long time ago.’
2025-09-29 15:13:00
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho faces mounting pressure after two consecutive defeats, with the team's encouraging start to the season now under threat ahead of a crucial Wednesday fixture against Watford.
2025-09-28 23:43:00
AFC Bournemouth secured a comeback victory against Leeds United, extending their unbeaten run, with Antoine Semenyo scoring a double and manager Andoni Iraola credited for an inspired tactical change.
2025-10-05 19:07:00
Lando Norris backed for maiden F1 title by first school in Somerset.
2025-10-05 18:55:00
Arne Slot faces fixes after Liverpool's ragged Champions League display against Galatasaray.
2025-10-05 18:42:00
Williams and Ferrari drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have been disqualified from the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying after their rear-wing elements were found to violate F1's technical regulations.
2025-10-05 18:01:00
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is actively plotting his return to Formula 1, with an Aston Martin chief confirming Horner has contacted 'pretty much every team owner' in the paddock.
2025-10-05 17:56:00
Leeds United suffered their first home league defeat in over a year at Elland Road in a luckless match against Tottenham Hotspur, with both Spurs goals deflecting off defender Pascal Struijk.
2025-10-05 17:40:00
British number one Cameron Norrie battled through hot and humid conditions to defeat Cazaux, overcoming a 6-0 set defeat to secure his spot in the third round.
2025-10-05 17:31:00
George Russell secured pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, while F1 World Champion Max Verstappen was left furious at Lando Norris for affecting his qualifying run.
2025-10-05 16:26:00
Aston Martin’s chief has revealed that ousted Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is actively seeking a return to Formula One, contacting nearly every team owner.
2025-10-05 15:41:00
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard forced off vs West Ham with knee issue.
2025-10-05 14:11:00
George Russell claimed pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, but qualifying was marred by chaos, including a crash for Russell himself and a furious Max Verstappen who accused Lando Norris of affecting his final lap.
2025-10-05 13:42:00
Fulham's Josh King earns first England U21 call; Lewis, O'Reilly return.
2025-10-05 12:59:00
Jannik Sinner's coach unsurprised by US Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
2025-10-05 12:37:00
Usman Nurmagomedov retained his PFL lightweight world title in Dubai with a contentious points victory over Irishman Paul Hughes, then immediately set his sights on Briton Alfie Davis.
2025-10-05 12:13:00
McLaren driver Lando Norris has admitted that Max Verstappen’s unparalleled consistency makes him 'one of the best drivers ever' and nearly impossible to compete with.
2025-10-05 11:34:00
A feature profile of light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira delves into the UFC star’s unique mix of humble personality, tribal heritage, and intimidating in-cage persona.
2025-10-05 11:24:00
McLaren driver Lando Norris has admitted it is 'almost impossible' to be as good as his rival Max Verstappen, arguing the four-time world champion is 'at 99 per cent' even on a bad day.
2025-10-05 10:56:00
Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray, who left Leeds United last summer, received an affectionate welcome on his return to Elland Road and showed his appreciation by applauding the home crowd after the match.
2025-10-05 10:27:00
Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-0 to claim the top spot in the Premier League, but the win was marred by injury setbacks for key midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
2025-10-04 23:35:00
Daniel Farke proud of Leeds despite Tottenham loss; unlucky deflections.
2025-10-04 23:22:00
Rangers manager Russell Martin blames mentality for Europa League defeat to Sturm Graz, marking another loss in a poor run.
2025-10-04 23:03:00
Tottenham insider praises Archie Gray's progress post-Leeds exit.
2025-10-04 22:52:00
Former Leeds loanee Djed Spence disputes Daniel Farke's comments ahead of Tottenham return.
2025-10-04 22:13:00
George Russell takes Singapore pole; Verstappen accuses Norris of blocking.
2025-10-04 21:55:00
Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko score as Manchester United beat Sunderland 2-0.
2025-10-04 20:56:00
Red Bull has confirmed it is in discussions with Irish Formula Two driver Alex Dunne, a move that signals the team’s ongoing search for exciting new talent.
2025-10-04 20:03:00