Ryan Alebiosu delivered a commanding defensive display as Blackburn Rovers beat Wrexham 2-0 in the Championship. The Nigerian right back marked his 53rd appearance for the club with a strong performance at Ewood Park.
Andri Gudjohnsen scored twice to secure three points for Blackburn in difficult conditions. His goals also helped the hosts respond to last weekend’s 3-2 defeat by West Brom.
Ryan Alebiosu played the full 90 minutes and helped Blackburn keep a clean sheet. He made eight clearances, two interceptions and four recoveries. He also recorded 60 touches, completed 68% of his passes and covered 10.3km.
The defender has now made 12 Championship appearances this season without receiving a booking. His work at the back proved important as Blackburn held firm against Wrexham’s second half pressure.
Gudjohnsen Double Extends Blackburn’s Winning Run
Blackburn started brightly in driving rain as they looked to put their defeat at West Brom behind them. Jayden Fevrier cut inside and curled a shot narrowly wide, while Dapo Afolayan also threatened the Wrexham goal.
Defender Hayden Carter came close to opening the scoring when he met Todd Cantwell’s corner. His effort struck the inside of the post and rolled across the goal line without going in.
However, Blackburn broke the deadlock just before half time. Wrexham goalkeeper Anthony Patterson failed to hold Sam Morsy’s shot, and Gudjohnsen reacted quickly to score from the rebound.
Wrexham struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Their best opening came when Kieffer Moore headed over, leaving the visitors with work to do after the break.
Patterson then denied Afolayan with a save using his feet as Blackburn looked to extend their lead. Wrexham gradually improved, though, and began to put the home defence under pressure.
Sam Smith came close to an equaliser when he glanced Callum O’Hare’s cross narrowly wide. Moore then saw his goal bound effort blocked by Carter, before Joe Morrell fired the loose ball inches past the post.
Ryan Alebiosu nearly added a goal of his own in the 70th minute. The Nigerian surged forward on a counter attack and forced Patterson into a crucial fingertip save.
Blackburn finally settled the contest with 11 minutes remaining. Cantwell found Gudjohnsen inside the penalty area, and the Icelandic forward fired high into the net from close range to claim his ninth goal of the season.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson responded by sending on Ollie Rathbone, Danny Imray and Ryan Longman in search of a late comeback. However, Blackburn held on to record their third consecutive home win at Ewood Park, their first such run since October 2024.
The victory lifted Blackburn to 10th in the Championship table and kept their play off hopes alive. Wrexham, meanwhile, dropped to 17th after winning only one of their last seven away games.
Alebiosu’s milestone appearance capped a disciplined performance as Blackburn combined defensive strength with Gudjohnsen’s clinical finishing to secure all three points.
