Dann 55' Negredo 45'
Dann denies third-round fortune for City.
Scott Dann's 55th minute equaliser arranged a repellent replay for Manchester City who have played a plentiful 11 games in 35 days. Legs lumbered and heads hung, but it was a minority of City's 7,000 travelling fans that put in the most disappointing performance of the day.
Stand-in captain Joleon Lescott took to Twitter in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw to express his displeasure at crude remarks directed at him during the game by a clan of cowardly 'fans' sat in the Manchester City end. Encouragingly, however, the blues brothers of the social networking site came together to support the defender who put in a precise performance on Saturday afternoon.
(Angered: Joleon Lescott expresses his disappointment at offensive comments made to him by a portion of Manchester City fans at Ewood Park on Saturday)
Success seems to have warped the minds of a number of gluttonous City supporters who believe anything but a win is an unforgivable aberration. However, considering the blues have not lost a game since November 10th, it would be wise for that moaning minority to duly lock their lips shut.
Before the post match uproar, striker Álvaro Negredo put the visitors in front with a well-taken tap in on the stroke of half time. David Silva's corner was headed into the Spaniards path by Edin Džeko and City's reserved start to the game acquired some excitement.
(Beastly: Álvaro Negredo celebrates his opener at Ewood Park)
Despite making four changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace on Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini still opted for a carnivorous eleven enchanted by the magic of David Silva and Fernandinho. The couple dictated Manchester City's play, albeit leisurely, in the first half of the tie, but they could do nothing to suppress the tenacity of an enthusiastic Rovers outfit.
Gary Bowyer's side emerged from the tunnel hungry for an equaliser and it took them only 10 minutes to grab the imperative goal. Defender Scott Dann capitalised on some contemptible keeping from Costel Pantillimon and fired into the empty net to arouse the home crowd with the prospect of a monumental upset.
Strikers Edin Džeko and Rovers' top scorer Jordan Rhodes could do nothing to prevent their respective sides partaking in a regrettable replay on January 15th and not even Dedryck Boyata's late dismissal could swing things in the home sides favour.
One to forget, but we must never forget the pleasure our players bring and have brought us in the past. They represent the club, and so do you.
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 5 - His day was ruined by an uncharacteristic error that just happened to allow Scott Dann in for Blackburn's equaliser. Unfortunate, but costly.
Dedryck Boyata 4 - A tough day for the Belgian who, in the unfamiliar role, was unable to prove the blues with any width or creativity down the flanks. Struggled throughout and got himself sent off.
Joleon Lescott 6 - Made a number of crucial headers and interceptions to prevent the Rovers securing an unlikely upset. However, his efforts were ignored by an ungrateful portion of the Manchester City crowd.
Matija Nastasić 6 - Comfortable on the ball but hesitant in the air. The young Serbian is beginning to acclimatize to first team football again, but never looks completely confident without Vincent Kompany beside him.
Gaël Clichy 6 - Similarly to Boyata on the opposite flank, the Frenchman failed to utilise his pace to offer his side an outlet down the flanks. Defensively, he is getting better, but Kolarov offers much more going forward.
David Silva 7 - Controlled the play with Fernandinho in the first half but will need to work on his finishing after blazing an excellent chance over the bar.
Fernandinho 7.5 - City's best player in the first half springing attacks and shielding his defence. Afforded a rest early into the second period and City's play suffered as a result.
Javi García 5 - Slow and steady from the Spaniard but too many of his passes go backwards rather than forwards.
James Milner 6 - A quiet birthday for the 28 year-old who failed to impose himself on proceedings.
Álvaro Negredo 6 - Showed great innovation with a number of Bergkamp-like touches and always looked the likeliest to open the scoring for City. However, passing accuracy and aggression was missing.
Edin Džeko 6.5 - Assisted Negredo and tested Robinson with a couple of fierce left-footed strikes.
Substitutes
Yaya Touré 6 - Wasn't expected to feature but City's lack of fire power made his introduction a necessity. Unfortunately, he couldn't influence the game.
Jesús Navas 6 - Looked set to be the man to install some life into City's play, and he did, but he also missed a great chance.
Pablo Zabaleta - No time to mark.
Possession: Blackburn Rovers 30% Manchester City 70%
Shots: Blackburn Rovers 12 Manchester City 14
Shots on Target: Blackburn Rovers 3 Manchester City 5
Corners: Blackburn Rovers 6 Manchester City 8
Fouls: Blackburn Rovers 6 Manchester City 7
