Lewis Travis scored on his 200th career league start as Blackburn defeated 10-man QPR 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Despite the five-point gap between these sides at the start of the day, there wasn’t much to separate them in the first half, with QPR spurning the best chance through Paul Smyth.
But the complexion of the game changed in first-half stoppage time when Jonathan Varane was dismissed for a reckless tackle.
It was all the encouragement Blackburn needed as John Eustace’s men came out gunning for QPR in the second half and Travis’ deflected strike seven minutes after the restart set them on their way.
Danny Batth’s first for the club just after the hour settled matters and continued Blackburn’s perfect start to the season.
QPR should have gone ahead in the seventh minute when Koki Saito sent in a wonderful cross from the left but the onrushing Smyth volleyed wide with the goal gaping.
Andi Weimann forced Paul Nardi into a smart low save soon after but other than that, the visitors looked comfortable.
That changed on the stroke of half-time with a moment of madness from Varane who, in a desperate attempt to retain possession, lunged in on Batth and caught his ankle, giving referee Craig Pawson no alternative but to show a straight red card.
Blackburn made their move, bringing on Todd Cantwell for the second half for Harry Pickering and he was immediately into the action, forcing a sprawling save from Nardi who then repelled Tyrhys Dolan’s rebound and sprung back to his feet to brilliantly palm the ball away from goal before Cantwell’s follow-up was somehow kept out.
QPR’s resistance was broken in the 53rd minute though as Travis found space on the edge of the area and his shot took a decisive deflection from Steve Cook to deceive Nardi.
Rovers seemed intent on bolstering their impressive goal tally for the season further and doubled their lead 11 minutes later. Cantwell was influential, lifting in a sumptuous cross to the back post that Batth turned in from close range.
Summer signing Cantwell gave Rovers fans a glimpse of what he can offer, again producing a delicate touch to play Hedges in, whose poked shot was diverted wide by Nardi.
Smyth thought he’d pulled one back in the 74th minute when dispossessing Batth and lashing home but was adjudged to have fouled the defender, but the visitors did well to prevent further damage at the other end, with Nardi parrying Dolan’s powerful shot.
Batth saw a late free header saved as the home side ran out comfortable winners.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. When Gerrard meet "Pong Kapol" The legend On this day / Do you remember this goal? Jack Grealish left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad JUST APPRECIATE THE GOATNESS The GREATEST SUPER SUB of All Time is.. Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 vs Wayne Rooney at 38… Only in India Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoon...
Arsenal want to sign a new left winger this summer, but their chances of signing one of their desired targets could be slipping away after recent developments.Mikel Arteta wants a striker and left winger to revitalise his attack ahead of the 2025-26 season, and while there has been much focus on the former, there is just as much desire to sign someone to compete with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro...
Aston Villa want to keep Morgan RogerAston Villa could be in store for a tricky summer because of PSR issues, and there are chances for important players to be sold. But at this stage, there are zero plans to consider any offers for their standout performer from the 2024-25 season.In recent weeks, a number of Aston Villa players have been linked with moves – especially to clubs in the Premie...
Manchester United are rumoured to have rekindled their interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen but still face a major obstacle.Nigerian striker's loan with Galatasary endedPrevious reports suggest Al-Hilal agreementLofty wages could block United approachWHAT HAPPENED?A report by Footmercato has linked the Red Devils with a sensational move for the Nigerian striker. United have opened discussions with ...
Barcelona hold talks with Williams as Yamal teases link-upBarcelona sporting director Deco reportedly met up with Nico Williams' agent in a bid to reignite their interest in the Athletic Club winger.Barcelona have reopened talks with Williams' camp, including his agent Felix Tainta, per Spanish publication Sport, with Deco leading efforts to lure the 22-year-old away from Athletic Club. The Spanis...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueManchester United target Bryan Mbeumo's was the Premier League's most clinical goalscorer in the 2024-25 season according to xG.West Ham United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?An analysis of the Premier League's xG data by Grosvenor Sport reveals Mbuemo's tally of 20 league goals came from chances that should have ge...
A fascinating transfer battle is emerging for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo (Image: Getty)Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a £70million bid to outmuscle Manchester United for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.The offer from the north London club is said to be worth £65million plus an additional £5million in add-ons, which is £10million more than what United offered.As report...
Matheus Cunha isn't a natural striker. (Image: Getty)Manchester United started their mammoth summer rebuild by completing the £62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha on Thursday. Ruben Amorim is significantly upgrading his attack with the 26-year-old's arrival, and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo should have the same impact if he follows suit.However, neither player will address arguably the big...
HERZOGENAURACH, GERMANY - JUNE 03: Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during a team Germany training session at Herzo-Base on June 03, 2025 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) (Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)Liverpool are set to break the British transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering £116m.After a deal ...
Referees will wear eye-level cameras at the Club World Cup (Image: The Associated Press)Referees at the Club World Cup are set to wear eye-level cameras, offering fans a unique glimpse into the on-pitch action. Well... not quite. FIFA has unveiled plans to roll out this tech at the expanded tournament starting in Miami on Saturday. However, it seems the move is geared more towards spicing up TV br...
- 1 Portugal vs France Prediction 12 June 2025
- 2 Bryan Mbeumo 'picks between Man Utd and Tottenham' as transfer agreement struck
- 3 Bayer Leverkusen interested in shock move for Jack Grealish
- 4 Brazil vs Paraguay Prediction 11 June 2025
- 5 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 6 Harvey Elliott opens door to Liverpool exit
- 7 Bonnie Blue banned from adult site as controversial stunt 'crossed the line'
- 8 Osimhen decides on Saudi move
- 9 Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk opens up on retirement plans
- 10 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack