Last Gasp Heartbreak

[Guest Kamy100]

Ewood Park was stunned into silence by a remarkable comeback from Manchester City at the end of an enthralling Premier League encounter.

Rovers began the match at the bottom of the league after West Brom's victory against Tottenham earlier in the day. The first half was largely scrappy with Robinho missing a guilt edged opportunity on 10 minutes. Rovers gradually started to gain control with the excellent Roberts causing problems to City's defence. Neither side created any clear cut opportunities and it seemed that it would be level going into half time. However, Emerton's hopeful cross flew across the box and after good work by Roberts it was McCarthy who was on hand to side foot the ball past Hart and give Rovers a crucial 1-0 lead at half time.

Rovers began the second half on fire with Samba, Roberts and McCarthy going close to extending Rovers lead. At the other end Wright-Phillips hit the post. City pushed forward but could not find an equaliser and it was Rovers who moved 2-0 ahead in the 84th minute when man of the match Roberts headed home after excellent work by Samba. It seemed that Rovers had secured a vital victory. Sadly for Rovers this was not the case as City fought back with firstly Sturridge and then deep into injury Robinho rescuing a point to leave those inside Ewood Park shellshocked as to what they had seen in the closing moments of the game.

So three games into Allardyce's reign Rovers still find themselves in the relegation zone but are now 2 points from safety. Performances have been very encouraging and Rovers have picked up 5 points from a possibly 9. Next up for Rovers in the league is a tough away fixture against Fulham followed by two successive home games against Newcastle and Bolton respectively.

Manager Comments:

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce:

"From our point of view it is two precious points thrown away.

"We were also disappointed not to win against Sunderland on Boxing Day and we now have two draws from what should have been two victories.

We find ourselves still rooted in the bottom three. The points tally is not as big as it should be and it is a great shame - but the Premier League is a punishing league and you have to play right to the end."

Man City boss Mark Hughes:

"Daniel is a player with great potential and he had an impact on the game.

"We know his quality on the ball and he picked out Robinho for the equaliser in an area where we had been struggling to find him.

"We showed great resolve to keep going and I am delighted. In the past we have struggled to get anything from games like this."

Match Facts:

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Kerimoglu (Mokoena 73), Andrews, Pedersen, McCarthy (Derbyshire 85), Roberts.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Khizanishvili, Vogel, Treacy, Olsson.

Booked: Kerimoglu, Nelsen.

Goals: McCarthy 45, Roberts 84.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Onuoha (Richards 64), Dunne, Ball, Ireland, Kompany, Elano (Vassell 71), Wright-Phillips, Caicedo (Sturridge 71), Robinho.

Subs Not Used:Schmeichel, Jo, Garrido, Fernandes.

Booked: Ireland.

Goals: Sturridge 88, Robinho 90.

Att: 25,200

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).