Championship team Blackburn Rovers caused the first shock of FA Cup third round weekend when they held 2011 winners Manchester City at Ewood Park. Skipper Scott Dann earned a replay for Gary Bowyer's side by cancelling out an Alvaro Negeredo goal. Both strikes came from corners and now Manuel Pellegrini has yet another midweek game to plan for in January on top of two Capital One Cup semi-final legs with West Ham. City had Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata sent off at Blackburn for two bookings. Rovers boss Bowyer handed ex-England goalie Paul Robinson his first start since December 2012 after a troublesome back problem and career-threatening blood clot on his lung. Top scorer Jordan Rhodes dropped to the bench prompting fears from home fans he would be sold. D. J. Campbell also made way as Blackburn made three changes from their away win over Leeds. Academy graduates Adam Henley and Jason Lowe came in whilst keeper Simon Eastwood was among the subs. Pellegrini fielded an XI with just four survivors from their New Year's Day win at Swansea. Boyata, Gael Clichy, Javi Garcia, Joleon Lescott, James Milner and Costel Pantilimon all came in. Playmaker David Silva returned from suspension. City front two Edin Dzeko and Negredo retained their places along with Matija Nastasic and Fernandinho also in the spine. Joe Hart, Aleksandar Kolarov, Vincent Kompany, Jesus Navas, Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta all got rested. Samir Nasri was not in the matchday squad. Who caught the eye of the WhatCulture sports team here? Click next to read our player ratings.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
