Stoke City Holds Blackburn to a 1-1 Draw

Adam Forshaw scored his first goal since February 2025, giving Blackburn a 21st-minute lead, but Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized for Stoke City in the 56th minute. The match ended 1-1, with Stoke finishing with 10 men after Ash Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offense. Forshaw's goal was his third in a decade and only his second since April 2016. Blackburn boss Michael O'Neill, who previously managed Stoke, saw his side take a deserved lead in the first half. However, Stoke responded well, with Sam Gallagher and Eric Bocat coming close to scoring. The equalizer came after good work by Bocat and Million Manhoef, with Rak-Sakyi bundling the ball home. Both teams had chances to win, but neither could capitalize, with Lamine Cisse missing a late opportunity for Stoke. The draw leaves Blackburn four points above the relegation zone, while Stoke's manager Mark Robins emphasized the need for patience and Championship-ready players. Blackburn's Michael O'Neill highlighted the importance of every point, with his team unbeaten in five games, and is looking to take this form into the remaining four matches.