Socceroos veteran Brett Emerton completed his season transformation by scoring a cracking goal to help guide Blackburn to English Premier league safety on a dramatic final day.
Rovers headed into Sunday's round with five sides below them on the table but not assured of avoiding relegation for next season.
With relegated sides estimated to lose up to STG50 million ($A76.34 million) in revenue the following season, Emerton continued to provide a cool head just when his club needed him most.
After Jason Roberts opened the scoring in the 22nd minute against fellow relegation battlers Wolverhampton, Emerton provided a finish of sheer class in the 38th minute in his side's 3-2 away victory.
A long punt into the home side's box was not completely dealt with and Emerton struck the sweetest of right foot volleys into the corner of the net for a 2-0 advantage.
Emerton, who is off contract at the end of next season, has been a key figure in his side's scrap for survival over the past month.
He provided a telling assist in Blackburn's 1-1 draw at West Ham a fortnight ago and then scored with a sweeping left foot shot in last week's 1-1 home draw against champions Manchester United.
It has been quite a turnaround for the 32-year-old Australian.
He only started two of his club's opening eight matches of the season and lost his starting spot with the Socceroos at the business end of the Asian Cup.
Rovers skipped out to a 3-0 lead before halftime thanks to David Hoilett before Wolves scored two second half goals to confirm their place in the Premier League for another season.
However while Emerton and his teammates can celebrate their final day showing, fellow Socceroo David Carney's future at Blackpool is uncertain following the side's relegation on Sunday.
Carney, who is on the mend from a shoulder operation, joined the Tangerines from Dutch club FC Twente this season on a one-year deal.
Blackpool captured the imagination of the Premier League this season with their freewheeling ways but paid the price at the back as Manchester United downed them 4-2 at Old Trafford on the final day.
Of all the escape acts of the day, none was better than Wigan Athletic's.
Hugo Rodallega scored the 78th minute winner in their 1-0 win at Stoke with Birmingham's 2-1 loss at Tottenham pushing them into the abyss.
{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }
Post a Comment