Three goals in 12 games, one win in their last eight, 13 points from 12 fixtures, you’ll be well versed in Rovers’ stuttering statistics at the start of 2022.
But you can too search through them to find some positives, despite the obvious concerns.
The expected goals metric would indicate that Rovers should have scored 12 goals in this period, at an average of one per game. While the chances aren’t overwhelming, there have been enough for the picture to look much brighter.
With four 0-0s in this run, had Rovers managed that one game in each of those four games, they would have eight more points on the board.
The very fact they have managed to take 13 points from just three goals conceded is testament to their incredible defensive record. No team in the division has kept more than their 15 clean sheets, with seven in their last 12 matches.
It is that which has ensured that despite the lack of goals, their miserly rate of conceding means they have at least managed to gain seven positive results in this run.
They too can rest safe in the knowledge that one goal can be enough, as shown by 1-0 wins over Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and QPR, and how crucial getting that first goal can be, chalking up 11 consecutive victories when getting their noses infront.
So Rovers must ensure that they don’t take their eye off the one area of the team that is functioning so well in a bid to potentially fix issues at the other end of the pitch.
Some may ask why the need for three central defenders in every game? Well, given his marauding runs forward, you would be hard-pressed to say that Jan Paul van Hecke was simply playing in the heart of a back three.
Darragh Lenihan and Scott Wharton have too shown a willingness to join in the attacks, while still ensuring the back door remained closed.
The ‘false nine’ role of which John Buckley has operated in for most of the season has also come under fire in some quarters, and while he should have more than the one goal he has managed, he has been vital to Rovers’ form.
Indeed, Buckley went close with efforts in either half, and also came up with the best cross of the night to set up a chance for Sam Gallagher.
Joe Rothwell too looked re-energised on his return to the side and looked the main hope of creating something.
Yet is the attacking part of the pitch where Rovers haven’t found a preferred combination.
During the six-game winning run, it was Ben Brereton and Reda Khadra either side of Buckley.
Yet only once since the 1-0 win at Cardiff City have Rovers used that combination, often not by design.
In that intervening period they have used eight different front threes, and only one of those more than once.
Eight different players have had a go, but still no nearer to finding anyone to fill the void left by their top-scoring Chilean. Some could point to not being used in their favoured roles for any prolonged spell, others to not getting a sustained run in the side, but the comeback would be that the goals haven't flowed.
Still in the same way that a collective effort is required for the amount of clean sheets Rovers have managed, so too is it to get them back scoring again.
Lenihan, Wharton, Joe Rankin-Costello are just as guilty of spurning excellent chances as those at the top end of the pitch in this goalless run.
What that means is that Rovers’ hold on a play-off spot is looking increasingly precarious.
While still fourth, the six teams directly below could overtake them, whether be it on points or goal differences, should they claim the available points in their games in hand.
That is why Rovers see this upcoming run of games as so pivotal, three more heading into the international break and a healthy points return will do plenty to ease any nerves as the chasing pack close in.
Millwall themselves are involved in that conversation, the 0-0 draw at Ewood coming on the back of five successive wins, and Mowbray was even more heartened by his side’s display given the Lions’ recent form.
The ideas in the final third didn’t always match the intent or intensity of his side, but there is still no questioning the effort and endeavour.
The issue is clear, the ability to solve them more difficult. But trying to do so shouldn’t come at the expense of the one thing that Rovers have nailed, and that’s being hard to beat.
It might mean we have shredded nerves and plenty more tight games to come, the possibility of a comfortable home victory against Millwall not materialising thanks to the missed chances.
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