Blackburn 1 Man City 1: Player ratings as Rovers hold Citizens

Blackburn Rovers

Paul Robinson Claimed his first cross in over a year to prevent Dzeko creeping in at the back post in the first half. Moments later rose above Negredo to claim a high ball. Had to be alert in the second half but overall a solid display on his return from illness. 6/10

Adam Henley Brilliant first-half run won Blackburn a free-kick on the edge of the City area but the home side failed to capitalise. It set the tone for the rest of the match as he kept marauding forward. 6

Scott Dann The former Birmingham centre-half kept Dzeko quiet throughout the cup tie. But his biggest contribution was the equaliser in the 55th minute. 7

Grant Hanley The Rovers centre-half looked relatively comfortable in the first-half despite facing world-class opponents. His frustration boiled over once the half-time whistle blew as he clashed with team-mate Taylor. Kept a cool head, though, to block Negredo’s pass to Silva, who would have had the goal at his mercy. 6

Tommy Spurr Took a chance when he pulled Negredo’s shirt in the penalty area – referee Michael Oliver didn’t award a spot-kick. 6

Lee Williamson Put himself about in midfield and won a couple of loose balls. 6

Jason Lowe Combative performance in midfield and it’s testament to his display that Fernandinho was replaced after an ineffectual performance. 6

Chris Taylor Crunching challenge on marker Clichy to lay down an early marker. Almost came to blows with team-mate Hanley at half-time, too. Ever-willing runner but lacked that bit of quality. 6

Tom Cairney (Man of the match) Flashes of brilliance from the Scotland Under-21 international. He proved to be Blackburn’s chief protagonist as he looked to test Pantilimon and tee up team-mates. A constant threat from set-pieces, too. Fired narrowly wide in the closing moments as he failed to seize his chance to become the match-winner. 8

Ben Marshall Looked to have the beating of his opponent Boyata but struggled to produce an accurate cross. Still, it kept Boyata pegged back. 7

Rudy Gestede Had an early glimpse of Pantilimon’s goal before the offside flag went up. Rose magnificently above Lescott and powered a header at the City goalkeeper which led to Dann’s winner. 7

Substitutes

Josh King Should have won his side a penalty after a reckless Pantilimon challenge. 6

Jordan Rhodes N/A

DJ Campbell N/A

Manchester City

Costel Pantilimon Wayward clearance in the first half. It set the tone for the Romanian’s performance. Gestede’s header was too powerful for the Citizens shot stopper, who spilled his save into the path of Dann and paid the price. Almost conceded a penalty for a robust challenge on King, too. 4

Dedryck Boyata The Belgian was presented with a rare chance to shine after Manuel Pellegrini rested Pablo Zabaleta. The 23-year-old didn’t look out of place in the Citizens side. But a careless late challenge resulted in a second yellow card which put City under pressure for the final five minutes. 4

Joleon Lescott Rarely troubled as Blackburn failed to mount any moves of real danger in the first half. Was easily overpowered by Rovers striker Gestede in the lead-up to Dann’s leveller. 5

Matija Nastasic The Serb could do little to prevent Dann’s equaliser. It was a solid performance from the centre-half. 6

Gael Clichy Had a chance to impress as he continues to compete with Aleksandar Kolarov for a starting spot. The attacking-minded left-back regularly sprinted down the wing looking to offer width that Milner lacked. 6

James Milner Handed a rare start. As City grew into the FA Cup third-round clash, so did Milner. Provided a threat from the left wing. His decision-making was good and he created a great late chance for Navas to seal victory. 7

Fernandinho The Brazilian’s only notable first-half contribution was a tame shot. It was no surprise to see the Brazilian replaced midway through the second half. 4

Javi Garcia Protected City’s much-changed back four as Fernandinho and Milner pushed forward. Offered little offensively himself, though. 6

David Silva Settled after 10 minutes at Ewood Park and started to dictate City’s momentum. The diminutive Spaniard is still recovering full fitness after his recent injury and it showed as he faded after the interval. 6

Alvaro Negredo A couple of heavy touches when in promising positions in the first half. Finally came up with a piece of magic to flick a ball over Dann, only to be denied by Robinson. But the Rovers goalkeeper was powerless to stop the Spaniard’s volley into the net on the stroke of half-time. 8

Edin Dzeko The Bosnian came up with the assist for Negredo’s opener. However, the Citizens striker appeared to be aiming for goal – and not the Spaniard. 7

Substitutes

Yaya Toure Restored a resemblance of calm back into the City side after Rovers levelled. 6

Jesus Navas Had a brilliant chance to prevent a replay when Milner found the Spaniard in acres of space but the winger blasted his shot across Robinson’s goal. 6

Pablo Zabaleta N/A