Stoke City Holds Off Blackburn to Secure a 1-1 Draw

Adam Forshaw scored his first goal since February 2025, giving Blackburn a 1-1 draw against 10-man Stoke City. Forshaw's goal in the 21st minute was his third in a decade, but it only earned his team one point. Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized for Stoke City in the 56th minute. Former Blackburn defender Ash Phillips was sent off three minutes from time for a second bookable offense. Stoke City finished the game with 10 men. Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill, who previously managed Stoke City, saw his team take a deserved lead in the first half. Forshaw's goal was a surprise, given his limited goal-scoring record. He curled in a shot from 20 yards after a counter-attack involving Ryoya Morishita and Yuki Ohashi. Stoke City responded well to the goal, with Sam Gallagher seeing a shot cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. Cashin also blocked Eric Bocat's shot, leading to a corner. In the second half, Stoke City equalized through Rak-Sakyi, who bundled home a cross from Million Manhoef. Rak-Sakyi almost scored again but curled his shot wide. Moussa Baradji retaliated with a long-distance shot, but Gavin Bazunu saved comfortably. Substitute Lamine Cisse had a chance to win the game for Stoke City but hit his shot straight at goalkeeper Balazs Toth. After the game, Stoke City manager Mark Robins addressed the fans' disappointment, saying the team needs to remember where they are and that they can't go from being near relegation to promotion without Championship-ready players. Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill said his team can't expect favors from other teams and must take their current form and belief into the remaining four games.