Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Norwich City: Sam Seaman player ratings

Angus Gunn

An excellent performance, and in truth the difference between a frustrating draw and a devastating loss.

Most of the home crowd had already begun celebrating when Sam Gallagher's header was headed for the bottom corner, and the Scot still had time to deny him twice more before the break.

Went long with his distribution slightly too often, but otherwise a reliable and assured performance that kept Norwich in the game at times. 9

Jack Stacey

A fairly quiet afternoon for someone who's gained increasing plaudits for recent performances.

Much of City's attacks when down the left-hand side, with the usual hub of activity that his wing represents fairly redundant at Ewood Park.

Handed a tough task when Harry Pickering came on, but dealt with him well in the main. 5

Grant Hanley

A mixed performance against his former side, with trademark qualities in full view but signs of others starting to fade.

Allowed Sammie Szmodics to run around him to meet a ball slid into the Norwich box, a rare sight and a hint that the Scot may be losing the pace that's served him so well in his time at Carrow Road.

Looked fairly laboured in his movement before being withdrawn with a knock to his shin in the second half. Mastered the dark arts, however, winning some unlikely free-kicks in typical fashion to ease the pressure on the visitors. 5

Ben Gibson

Added to his string of good performances with a series of clearances, headers, tackles and blocks as Blackburn sent ball after ball long towards Gallagher.

Will have a sore skull in the morning after winning so many aerial battles, and allowed very little threat down his left side. More smart passing would have been welcome, however. On an impressive farewell tour. 8

Dimitris Giannoulis

His selection perplexed fans when the team was announced, and they were ultimately justified.

Replaced the in-form Sam McCallum at left-back before the 23-year-old returned the favour in search of a late winner. In the meantime Giannoulis switched off to start the attack that led to Blackburn's equaliser.

Few notably positive contributions going forward, despite finding himself in advanced positions often. Clearly technically gifted and shows it in spells, but hasn't been in good enough form this season. 4

Kenny McLean

A strong performance from McLean in his more natural midfield position.

Progressive and searching passes were a common theme, his passes often setting Gabriel Sara to find Josh Sargent or followed up himself in one-twos. A key part when Norwich did threaten.

Covered more than his fair share of the ground as usual, even if it wasn't a headline performance. 7

Marcelino Nunez

Another fine display, marked by his first goal of the season and the sort of free-kick fans have been hoping to see more of since his first in August 2022.

That strike was the greatest moment of quality in a first half lacking it, but it wasn't his only contribution. He confidently zipped passes across the Norwich midfield and offered more of a physical presence than he's credited with.

Another step in the right direction for a man David Wagner said post-match was "one of the first names on the team sheet". 8

Christian Fassnacht

Had a very quiet first half and then had a second half punctuated by missed opportunities.

Chipped through on goal by Sara shortly after the break and had a simple task on his hands to round Ainsley Pears, but couldn't sort his feet out in time.

Onel Hernandez' low cross for him late on was just behind him, even with the Swiss stretching. There's a conviction in his play provided by his growing confidence, but he didn't do enough in Lancashire. 5

Christian Fassnacht had a quiet afternoon (Image: PA Images)

Gabriel Sara

Some moments of genius, but others leaving frustrated fans perplexed. More of the former, however, in a fairly good showing

Excellent pass to play Sargent in for what should have been 2-0, but he had a simpler one on to find the American early in the game and was indecisive.

Excellent pass through for that Fassnacht chance, and some dangerous corners. 7

Borja Sainz

A performance typical of the Spaniard's recent displays, with plenty of hard work but few sights of goal.

Buzzes around and works hard, with Wagner's pleasure clear on a number of defensive occasions. Unquestionable in those stakes.

But failed to control on the stretch when Sara's shot broke to him, and was caught offside when he was slid through. 5

Borja Sainz struggled to affect things offensively (Image: PA)

Josh Sargent

An out-of-character performance from the player who's had a messiah-like impact on City's season thus far.

Should have scored when Sara played him in, ditto when the ball dropped for him to volley in the box and he completely scuffed his shot.

Struggled to keep his touch in check. 4

SUBSTITUTES:

Onel Hernandez (on for Sainz, 63)

Back to old trope that defined his play: plenty of danger but no conversion into real chances.

Looked a threat, to his credit, but poked straight at a shocked Ashley Barnes and rolled behind Fassnacht after a fine piece of skill to beat Sondre Tronstad. 6

Ashley Barnes (on for Nunez, 75)

Tough ask to make an impact with the time left and the game state as it was. Couldn't control Hernandez' cross but it would have been tough to. 5

Jacob Sorensen (on for Hanley, 85)

Did a reliable if straightforward job after Hanley's injury. 5

Liam Gibbs (on for Fassnacht, 85)

One good cross that City didn't make much of. 5

Sam McCallum (on for Giannoulis, 85)

Arguably should have started, and didn't have enough time to make a real impact from the bench. Made some good runs nonetheless. 6