Despite falling behind early on after Sam Burns gave Blackburn the lead, a second half goal from Ben Knight saw Enzo Maresca’s side earn a well-deserved draw in our first home outing of 2021.
what happened
Despite an even first 15 minutes it was Rovers who took the lead, as an unmarked Burns slotted into the bottom corner from 10 yards out.
City looked to immediatly react after a falling behind, and a nicely worked free-kick nearly drew us a level.
A short set piece allowed James McAtee to break in behind and whip in a dangerous low ball which cannoned off a Blackburn defender and straight into goalkeeper, Jordan Eastham.
Callum Doyle then latched onto the rebound but fired his effort on the half volley wide.
Our hunt for a leveller did not stop there, as Cole Palmer was the next man to come close, as he charged at the Blackburn defence before hitting a fierce, left-footed effort from the edge of the box straight at Eastham.
Despite taking a foot-hold in the game, Maresca’s side were unable to find a way through as the the visitors headed into the break a goal to the good.
Into the second half and City continued their dominance with the ball as we looked to get ourselves back into the game.
Sam Edozie came close 10 minutes after the restart, after he cut in from the left and hit a curling effort from 18-yards just over the bar.
At the other end Burns nearly grabbed his, and Rovers’ second but finished off a mazy run by hitting an effort straight at James Trafford.
Minutes later the visitors had another opportunity to double their lead as Jack Vale broke free and nipped round the on-running Trafford.
Fortunately for City, some superb defending from Claudio Gomes saw the Frenchman race back to block Vale’s effort at the open goal, to keep his side in the game.
The goal-bound clearance would prove pivotal as Knight drew us level minutes later.
McAtee finished off a driving run by firing a shot to goal which was parried into the feet of Knight, who then tapped in from six yards to level the scores up at 1-1.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes the visitors were dealt a huge blow after Louis Annesley was given a straight red card for fouling Knight, and denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
The following free-kick rebounded out to substitute, Alpha Dionkou, but his effort from the edge of the box flew agonizingly wide.
how we lined up
James Trafford‘s goal was protected by a defence of Claudio Gomes, CJ Egan-Riley, Finley Burns and Callum Doyle.
Romeo Lavia, Sam Edozie and James McAtee formed our midfield, whilst Cole Palmer, Ben Knight and Felix Nmecha played as a front three.
what it meanS
The draw leaves City one point behind Premier League 2 leaders, Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.
UP NEXT
Our EDS return to action on Friday 5 February, hosting Everton at the Academy Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:00 (UK).
News about Man City v Rovers
Highlights: EDS 1-1 Blackburn U23s
City's Elite Development Squad (EDS) played out an exciting 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2. Watch more
City EDS 1-1 Blackburn: Full-match replay
Enjoy the full 90 minutes of City's first PL2 home game of 2021 on CITY+. Watch more
