How they rated

ALEX SMITHIES

Reinstated between the sticks and made an almighty hash of Adam Armstrong’s first goal, fumbling it in at the near post.

CURTIS NELSON

Made a goalsaving tackle to deny Adam Armstrong and looked really solid throughout. So often in the right place at the right time.

ADEN FLINT (CAPT)

Was a rather assured performance right up until the last, when Armstrong just turned him and shot to score the equaliser.

CIARON BROWN

Was sat down too easily by Armstrong and allowed him to have his shot on goal. Made a goalsaving tackle to deny Harvey Elliott, though.

WILL VAULKS

Stunning strike to hand City the lead and looked comfortable in possession throughout. A steady performance.

MARLON PACK

Picked out a number of lovely passes to start attacks. A very accomplished performance from the midfielder, but just tailed off after the break.

PERRY NG

A welcome return to the side for the wing back, who oozed calmness and class in possession. Still more to come from him.

HARRY WILSON

Buzzed around in that number 10 role and continued his decent form of recent weeks. Great to see him back involved from the off and provided two assists.

JOSH MURPHY

Initially gave the attack a different dimension, but caused few problems, truth told, through some errors and lack of accuracy. Needs to work on his press as well.

KIEFFER MOORE

Was central to everything positive City did early on. Looked to have a spring in his step once again. Missed one glaring chance but his hold-up play was top notch.

STAR MAN TOM SANG

Another stellar performance at both ends of the pitch from the wing back, who continues to impress. Added so much at both ends and had a stunning shot saved lot on.

SUBSTITUTES

Joe Ralls (on for Murphy 63) 7 - Made a real impact after coming on. The goal was all his own doing, too, first winning the interception before slotting home past the keeper.

Jonny Williams (on for Wilson 90) NA

Subs not used: Phillips (gk), Osei-Tutu, Colwill, Hoilett, Ojo, Watters, Harris.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Kaminski; Nyambe, Lenihan, Harwood-Bellis, Douglas; Trybull (Holtby 78), Travis (Downing 78), Johnson (Dolan 78); Elliott (Davenport 77), Armstrong, Gallagher (Brereton 77).

Subs not used: Pears (gk), Branthwaite, Bennett, Bell.

REFEREE

Jeremy Simpson