Blackburn gave the match a clear structure
The home side did not try to match West Ham pass for pass in every area. Blackburn protected the centre, directed play towards the wings and waited for opportunities to attack after a loose touch.
That plan allowed the forwards to receive with space. The team could commit runners without leaving the centre-backs exposed to an immediate counter-attack.
West Ham stayed close but could not complete the response
The match took place on 7 November. West Ham scored once and kept the contest open, yet Blackburn continued to win enough first contacts inside its own area.
The visitors moved the ball more quickly during their best spell. Blackburn responded by reducing the distance between midfield and defence rather than dropping every player onto the goal line.
The result ends ten winless meetings
Blackburn had gone ten matches against West Ham without a victory since the 2005 win. Ending that sequence gives the result extra value beyond the three points.
The performance also offers a repeatable plan: protect the middle, choose direct attacks carefully and avoid giving away unnecessary set pieces. West Ham need a faster final pass when an opponent is already set in a compact block and must avoid returning possession immediately.