Blackburn's transfer needs clear as Eustace influence grows

The Japanese forward is quickly becoming a cult hero amongst the Rovers supporters after three goals in as many appearances. This late header was perhaps the most important, getting across Shane Duffy to net a late equaliser for John Eustace's side.

That ensured Rovers didn't leave Carrow Road empty-handed having squandered a promising position. Ryan Hedges finished off a sweeping counter-attack after 20 minutes, laid in by Makhtar Gueye before dinking the goalkeeper.

But two goals in eight minutes looked to have proved costly. Josh Sargent was at the centre of all Norwich's best chances and levelled after Callum Brittain surrendered the ball deep in his own half.

READ MORE: EUSTACE SENDS CLEAR TRANSFER MESSAGE AFTER SZMODICS SALE

The USA striker then squared for Borja Sainz to make it 2-1 and Rovers looked to be going home empty-handed. Until Ohashi popped up, earning a share of the spoils.

Here's a breakdown of all the key talking points from Carrow Road.

Rovers' attacking improvements

Last season was all about grinding out points, being hard to beat and improving defensively. Well, Rovers seem to have really upped their attacking game so far this season.

They scored 60 goals and Sam Szmodics got 27 of them. They've already scored 12 this season, with seven different goal-scorers.

Rovers look a far more succinct, fluent and cohesive attacking unit. They seem to be playing with more freedom and with less reliance on one man. At times last year, Rovers looked set-up to create one or two chances and the hope was Szmodics was on the end and he'd finish.

It's very early days but Makhtar Gueye and Ohashi look to be fantastic pick-ups, for a combined fee of roughly £1.2million. Between them, they're the perfect number nine.

Gueye holds the ball brilliantly. He's athletic, powerful and makes clever and unselfish runs. What he might lack in composure in front of goal, he makes up for with other impressive attributes.

Ohashi looks like a true goal-scorer. His movement inside the box is fantastic, as illustrated by the equaliser. It's deft and subtle but effective; earning him a yard on Duffy which allowed him to plant his header into the corner.

Between them, they look to have complementary skillsets. You wouldn't rule them out playing together either at some point too.

Mistakes almost prove costly

Rovers were caught several times trying to play out from the back. Eustace took some responsibility for that, insisting he wants the players to play 'good football'.

Some errors were more forgivable than others. Sondre Tronstad was robbed on the edge of his own box but you could debate how appropriate the pass fizzed into him was. Sargent should've scored from that opportunity but somehow shot wide.

Aynsley Pears was the luckiest. He passed the ball straight to Sainz, who squared to Sargent, only for Tronstad's goal-saving block to get him off the hook. That was the most avoidable scenario of the three.

Brittain was then guilty, which directly led to the equaliser. He was robbed trying to dribble out and one pass later, Norwich were level. At least he atoned by producing a stunning cross which Ohashi headed in.

If anyone thought Eustace-ball would be simply safe and no-nonsense, they'd be wrong. Sure, Rovers are harder to beat than under Jon Dahl Tomasson, but there has been a much greater willingness to take risks in-possession this season. The shackles are certainly loser, that's for sure.

That is risk and reward, as Rovers fans know. There will be mistakes along the way but they must try to cut out the avoidable ones.

Substitutes make an impact but more needed

Rovers' bench has proven fruitful already this term, scoring four goals in two league games already.

With a nod to Rich Sharpe, formerly of this parish, that betters the contribution from Rovers' men in reserve from 2023/24 in its entirety (3). It's level with their 2022/23 effort (4) and double what they managed in 2021/22 (2).

Ohashi and Andi Weimann look to be ideal super subs but Rovers also need more strength in depth. With Dilan Markanday and Szmodics coming out of the side, the bench effectively picked itself.

Rovers evidently need that bulking up with quality options. Once Weimann and Ohashi were on, Eustace was short of game-changers. Arnor Sigurdsson doesn't seem to be the flavour of the money, only coming on with ten minutes to go.

Rankin-Costello dilemma

It's early in the season but I'm not solely convinced Joe Rankin-Costello's wide right role gets the best out of him. It's been two quiet performances so far from someone who I rate very highly.

He was the heartbeat of the team in central midfield towards the end of last year. Out wide, he can drift in and out of the game too often. I'm not totally sold the balance is right.

I may be proven wrong, and openly admit two games is hardly a great sample size, but I have early reservations. If Rovers can get another wide player in, it will only increase competition for places which would be beneficial for everyone.

Resilience on display

Rovers sat back way too early in the second half, which Eustace admitted. He put that down to fatigue and fitness, with many players not getting a full pre-season, which checks out.

The goals had been coming. Norwich should've, arguably, been level at half-time based on the balance of chances. They then got two in eight minutes and with the crowd right behind them, looked on course for the win.

In many another era, Rovers would've been done and dusted. But this group, under Eustace, does seem to be full of spirit and character.

Brittain's head didn't go down after the equaliser. He produced the cross, Ohashi stuck his head in where it hurt. Far too often have we criticised the bulk of this group for a lack of fight.

Eustace's message is clear

Many Rovers fans accused Eustace of lacking authenticity with his overly-positive messaging last season. But this term, he has struck exactly the right notes.

His response to transfer questions has been consistent and clear. He wants reinforcements and if Rovers want to build forward as a club, they're necessary.

He hasn't kicked up a fuss or thrown the grenade in, as previous head coaches have, but he hasn't come across as a man lacking ambition either.

Rovers must sign a goalkeeper, full-back, midfielder and a forward. That is the minimum requirement in the final weeks of the window. And they must be of sufficient quality to instantly improve the starting XI, that's another drum Eustace has beaten.