IF LAST week's performance left me with many questions, I can only say that they were comprehensively answered by the players on Saturday.

When you consider that we went so long last season before our first win it's almost a relief that we've chalked up our first victory so soon.

There would have been many (and I was one) who'd have made their way to Ewood on Saturday with more apprehension than excitement given the debacle at Upton Park.

Not only that, our big summer signing Craig Bellamy was also injured leaving us threadbare in the striking department. How was a team that's hardly prolific at the best of times get the goals to win a game against a slick counter attacking side such as Fulham?

We needn't have worried.

As was expected, Sparky reverted to the 4-5-1 system, probably more out of necessity than choice, and the fit-again Nelsen was recalled in defence. Last, but by no means least, our Turkish delight Tugay was picked as part of the five-man midfield.

It's no exaggeration to say that the 90 minutes that followed was as good as anything seen here in the last three seasons. Rovers zipped the ball around at a high tempo and at times toyed with the opposition

. The goals were just the icing on the cake but were as good as you are likely to see in any game, anywhere in the world. Having said that, if they'd been scored by Chelsea or Manchester United they'd have probably made the front pages of the tabloids - but I digress.

The question now is 'to 4-5-1 or not?'

The system certainly has it's critics, not least among Rovers fans who seem to think it is a negative style to employ - especially at home. I tend to look at it differently.

It is only a 4-5-1 system when the opposition have the ball. When we have it, the two wingers break forward to support the lone striker in a 4-3-3 formation. This is where I feel Shefki Kuqi excelled on Saturday. Rather than fall over and claim a free-kick at any given opportunity, he was mobile and strong enough to hold the ball up and wait for support (even if his finishing was Ashley Wardesque!).

Then we have the magician himself - Tugay. I make no apologies for eulogising on his performance, but after Saturday it'd be madness to not find a place for him on a regular basis.

Those who say he can't defend should ask who won the original tackle in the build-up for the first goal. And as for the second goal, well whatever I say couldn't do it justice. That said, at the age of 35 it would be difficult to find a place for him in a four-man midfield where he would be more exposed.

That's why I'm of the opinion we should stick with what we do best and what gets us results - and that's 4-5-1. If it's good enough for Mourinho and Ferguson, it's good enough for us.

The future suddenly looks a little brighter, the visit of unbeaten Tottenham on Wednesday will be a real test but one that players and fans alike can relish.