You would have thought that Strachan's criticism of his players after Saturday's poor performance against Fulham would have shocked a few of our players into action. Strachan made tow changes. Fabrice Fernandes started on the left. This was to provide cover for Wayne Bridge which was completely lacking at the weekend. Kevin Davies was chosen ahead of, a not 100%, Marians Pahars to face the club where he had such a disastrous time.
Saints started well with a good cross from Jason Dodd after only two minutes. Paul Jones had to put his own weekend nightmare behind him, making a good save after five minutes.
After an even opening ten minutes Blackburn began to make effective use of the flanks. Damian Duff in particular looked dangerous down Blackburn's left hand side although Gillespie caused Bridge a few problems. On the left Fernandes proved to be ineffective with some nice touches, not helped by an unusual early mistake from Bridge. The England left back soon made ammends but by this time Blackburn were terrorising the Saints right hand side.
Saints had their chances to go ahead. Paul Telfer had a good volley from a Delap long throw. An appalling touch from Kevin Davies prevented what would surely have been the opening goal with a number of Saints players looking to get onto the end of any ball knocked across the box. Davies could have finished it himself but his overall game was shocking.
After this dreadful effort Blackburn took control of the game. Paul Jones had to come out to punch ahead of Jansen.
Duff continued to cause trouble. His drilled shot across the box required only a touch, but there were no Blackburn strikers ale to get on the end of the pass.
Blackburn took a deserved lead after 26 minutes. Duff's diagonal run deceived two Saints players and his powerful shot went past Jones on the Welsh number one's far side.
Before Southampton could respond, Blackburn immediately consolidated their lead with a second goal. An excellent cross from Dunn resulted in a straight forward header for Jordi, his first for the Ewood Park team. Delap will be looked at for giving the ball away to allow Blackburn's attack.
After the second goal the tension went out of the game. The crowd became quiet, Blackburn looked comfortable to the point of complacency and Saints looked completely incapable of creating anything resembling a goal scoring opportunity. There were no further chances in the first half.
Strachan resisted the urge to make changes at half time. His side failed to change too much from the start of the second half, with Lundekvam having to put the ball behind to prevent Jordi getting his second goal.
A third goal should have come with Blackburn having three players through on goal. Fortunately for the Saints, the ref blew the whistle for a Blackburn free kick rather than play the advantage.
Strachan then rang the changes taking the dreadful Davies and feeble Fernandes off to be replaced by Tessem and Pahars.
With Tessem's arrival Saints lifted their game, at least in glimpses. A particularly good cross from the Norwegian should have been converted by Brett Ormerod at the far post. The former Blackpool player failed to reach the ball for what was a golden opportunity to claw back into the game.
Any good play continued to fall to Blackburn, Paul Jones making an excellent save from Matt Jansen midway through the second period. Saints immediately countered with a woeful effort from Tessem on the Blackburn goal.
At times Saints looked as though they were at least trying to get back into the game but the shots continued to fall to Blackburn. Gillespie's shot from the right was saved by Jones while the keeper had to come out and head the ball clear ahead of Jansen.
Delap managed to put in a good shot, although from range thirty minutes into the half. Having saved with every other part of hi body, it was the turn of Paul Jones' leg to stop a wickedly curled shot from Garry Flitcroft.
Although two up, it was Blackburn who seemed most concerned with getting a goal. Blackburn continued to get bodies into the box and dominate on the flanks and create problems with through balls. Saints looked quite absent all round.
With a few minutes to go Brad Friedel had to punch clear an excellent cross form Telfer and Neill tackled back well to prevent Delap from getting a shot in on goal. It was too little to late for Saints though and the ref thankfully ended the game.
Verdict: Pitiful. We were outfought and outclassed in every area of the park. Saints showed no fight to get back into this game and Blackburn fully deserved the win.
Perhaps Gordon Strachan will be the man to end to Southampton's usual run of pitiful end of season performances. However, on tonight's poor showing, I doubt it.
Saints man of the match: This is also an award for 12th best player on the par, Blackburn having picked up the first eleven awards. Paul Telfer looked his normal solid self at times. However his delivery was at times poor, and he was lacking defensively. So the award goes to Jo Tessem who at least looked as though he was trying. On the last couple of performances he deserves a run in the side.
Donkey of the match: So many to choose form, but Kevin Davies once again shows what a pedigree mule he is. His first half effort was truly embarrassing and only highlighted his dreadful contribution all round. I'd bite the arm off anyone who offered a couple of Easter Eggs for him.