Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Norwich City: John Eustace reaction

The Rovers chief described the Canaries as one of the best in the league on current form post-match, despite City’s travel sickness on the road continuing in Lancashire. 

Eustace succeeded Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park and has altered their style of play in an attempt to ease growing fears about becoming embroiled in a relegation dogfight. 

Thwarting Norwich’s attacking threat and showing character to come from behind for the first time at home this season left Eustace encouraged about the challenge ahead. 

“I thought it was a very good performance,” Eustace reflected post-match.

“We were up against one of the top teams in the league at the moment. They are on a good run of form.

“We created some really good chances in the first half and showed great character to come back in the second half to equalise. I think it’s the first time this season at home that we’ve managed to do that.

“We’re making small steps forward and I was pleased with the point in the end - I would have loved three points, of course, but the lads showed great commitment and character to come from behind.”

Marcelino Nunez’s perfectly dispatched free kick gave City the lead before the break - but Blackburn upped their performance levels to rescue a point in the second half. 

Dom Hyam’s header restored parity with Rovers frustrating City to ensure they were unable to capitalise on dropped points for their top six chasing rivals to remain three points behind Hull. 

Dom Hyam’s second half header rescued a point for Blackburn Rovers. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Eustace could do nothing but admire the quality of Nunez’s set piece, but felt his side created the better opportunities overall - with Angus Gunn producing a flurry of fine stops. 

”From my point of view, I thought Bucko (John Buckley) probably touched the ball but I haven’t seen it back,” the Rovers chief insisted. 

”They’ve got quality players in their squad. It’s a top, top Championship squad with Premier League quality so you expect that from them.

“We limited Norwich to two or three chances. They had the free kick but we had two or three of the best opportunities in the game.”