Stoke City Fights Back to Earn Draw Against Blackburn

Blackburn midfielder Adam Forshaw scored his first goal since February 2025, giving his team the lead in the 21st minute of their match against 10-man Stoke City. However, the home team equalized in the 56th minute with a goal from Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Stoke City finished the game with one less player after Ash Phillips was sent off for a second bookable offense. The draw brings Blackburn four points above the relegation zone. Forshaw's goal was a rare occurrence, as it was only his third in a decade. The visitors should have taken the lead earlier, but Ryoya Morishita failed to score from 16 yards. Despite this, Forshaw's goal was a highlight, as he curled in a shot from 20 yards after a counterattack. Stoke City responded well to the goal, with Sam Gallagher's effort being cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. The home team started the second half strongly and earned their equalizer through Rak-Sakyi's goal. The former Charlton striker almost scored again but curled his shot wide. Moussa Baradji and Todd Cantwell also tried to score, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Substitute Lamine Cisse had a chance to win the game for Stoke City but hit his shot straight at the keeper. After the game, Stoke City manager Mark Robins addressed the fans' disappointment, stating that the team needs to remember where they are and that they cannot go from being near relegation to promotion without Championship-ready players. Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill expressed his satisfaction with the point, stating that every point is crucial and that his team must take their current form and belief into the remaining four games.