Source: SKY_Sports
Big Sam hails battling Rovers
Sam Allardyce paid tribute to the character of his Blackburn side following the 2-1 victory over Tottenham.[LNB] Rovers fell behind in the 30th minute following a controversial penalty decision when Gael Givet was adjudged to have deliberately handled Aaron Lennon's cross.[LNB]Spurs came close to doubling their advantage but Wilson Palacios was sent off late on, before goals from Benni McCarthy and Andre Ooijer turned the match in Blackburn's favour.[LNB]Allardyce accepts that his players were not at their best but he was delighted with the manner in which they battled.[LNB]"(We showed) a bit of desire and a bit of determination to overcome a bit of adversity in the penalty decision," he told Sky Sports.[LNB]"We never said die and I don't think we have since I got here[LNB]"It doesn't matter how you win as long as you win and this was probably one of our lesser performances."[LNB]Samba praiseChristopher Samba played the second half as a striker after Blackburn lost a couple of players due to injury and Allardyce was thrilled with his performance.[LNB]He said: "It is a great credit to the lads because, not just the penalty decision, but Morten (Gamst Pedersen) pulls a calf, Jason (Roberts) hobbles for the last 10 minutes of the first half and we throw Chris Samba up front [LNB]"I thought he made a big difference and he caused their centre-halves a lot more problems in the second half."[LNB]Allardyce believes that while Palacios may have been unlucky to get sent off, the refereeing decisions evened themselves out over the course of 90 minutes.[LNB]"I'm sure Tottenham will feel the sending off was a bit harsh," he said.[LNB]"When you look at both incidents, they probably feel the sending-off was harsh and we feel it wasn't a penalty.[LNB]Allardyce added: "When you concede the first goal it is very rare you come back and win so we have got a very valuable three points[LNB]"We have nicked a win and we are very happy indeed."[LNB]
