Stoke City Battles Back to Earn Draw Against Blackburn

Adam Forshaw's rare goal had given Blackburn the lead, but Stoke City fought back to claim a 1-1 draw despite finishing with 10 men. Forshaw, who had not scored since February 2025, found the net in the 21st minute to put the visitors ahead. However, Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized for Stoke in the 56th minute. The home side then had to play out the final minutes a man down after Ash Phillips was sent off for a second bookable offense. The result keeps Blackburn four points clear of the relegation zone, while Stoke's fans were left to ponder what might have been after a missed opportunity by substitute Lamine Cisse late in the game. The match also marked the return of former Stoke manager Michael O'Neill, now in charge of Blackburn, who expressed his satisfaction with the point earned by his team. Stoke manager Mark Robins, on the other hand, acknowledged the frustration of his team's fans but emphasized the need for patience and unity as the team navigates the challenges of the Championship.