Match Analysis: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers went head to head in the Championship today having both recently appointed new managers.

Michael Appleton, confirmed as Rovers manager just hours before kickoff, was not present at the match but Dean Saunders took charge of the hosts for the first time.

Blackburn took the lead through a controversial first-half penalty but Roger Johnson netted a header with less than 20 minutes left to ensure that the spoils were shared.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at a scrappy affair at the Molineux.

Match statistics:

Wolves: Shots 11 On target 5 Possession 53% Corners 8 Fouls 17

Blackburn: Shots 10 On target 7 Possession 47% Corners 2 Fouls 14

Was the result fair?

Dean Saunders believes that his side deserved to win, but a draw was probably the fairest result. Neither side played particularly well and both attacks failed to flourish in a scrappy game. Blackburn probably had the best chances, but the game as a whole was devoid of many clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Wolves' performance

It's an improvement, but they can still do a lot better. Their first half display got worse as the half wore on, but they were on top in the second period and looked like the team most likely to score at 1-1. Still, though, there was a worrying lack of urgency among many of the players at times, and until the goal it was a thoroughly uninspiring display.

Blackburn's performance

Bowyer would have been happy enough with the first-half performance. They were by no means exceptional, but had grown into the game and deserved their lead. They failed to threaten in the second half, however, as Wolves began to feel their way back into the match. Similar to Wolves, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Roger Johnson: In a match that was severely lacking any attacking flair, this was always going to go to a defensive player. Johnson was sturdy at the back throughout, and provided a threat from set pieces when going forward. His goal was ample reward for his willingness to gamble and attack the back post.

Biggest gaffe

With five minutes left on the clock, Bakary Sako whipped a dangerous ball across goal that Kevin Doyle picked up at the back post. A good touch would have allowed Doyle a clear strike at what would have proved to be the winner, but his control let him down and the chance was wasted.

Referee performance

It was a very scrappy affair, making it a hard match for Dean Whitestone to officiate. He gave a few soft free kicks and yellow cards, but the big decision - the penalty - was actually his assistant's call. Ruben Rochina seemed to trip over Sako's leg, rather than Sako tripping Rochina up, and Whitestone was not going to give it before bowing to his assistant's superior viewpoint. The debate as to whether Rochina's actions were clever play or cheating will rage on, but you can see why a penalty was given.

What next?

Wolves: Wolves' next match sees them travel to struggling Sheffield Wednesday a week on Saturday.

Blackburn: Blackburn will welcome Charlton Athletic to Ewood Park next Saturday in Michael Appleton's first game in charge of the club.