John Eustace frustrated Blackburn failed to take all three points at Norwich

Posted Sunday, August 18, 2024 by PA

Blackburn manager John Eustace was disappointed to take just one point from his side’s Championship clash at Norwich – even though they had to rely on a late equaliser to come away with a 2-2 draw.

Substitute Yuki Ohashi made it three goals in as many games since his move from Japan as he headed home Callum Brittain’s precise cross with just three minutes remaining.

After going in at half-time 1-0 ahead thanks to Ryan Hedges’ finish, Rovers suddenly found themselves 2-1 down when Norwich scored twice in eight minutes midway through the second half as Josh Sargent blasted home and Borja Sainz tapped in after an excellent one-touch move.

Summer signing Ohashi had the final say but Eustace still was not completely happy afterwards.

“With the way we played, especially in the first half, I am a little bit disappointed we didn’t win the game,” he said. “I thought we were excellent both with and without the ball. We scored a terrific goal and the chances they had came when we lost possession.

“We were very confident going into the second half and it was a shock for us when they scored those two goals. But to their credit, the lads showed terrific character to get the equaliser and ensure we came away with something for our efforts.

“I want Blackburn Rovers to be difficult to play against but also pleasing on the eye and I can think you can see we are moving in the right direction.

“It’s now an important time coming up for us – we are light in certain areas and we need to bring in three or four players to strengthen the squad to make sure we can continue to compete like we have done so far.”

Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup admitted he was frustrated after being denied his first league win.

“I am obviously disappointed with the result – I think in the second half we were very good, exactly how I want us to play, and I think we did enough to have come away with the three points,” he said.

“But it was very frustrating to concede an equaliser like that. We have the ball, then we lose it – we should be better at avoiding giving them chances like that.

“But overall it has been an okay week for us. In the two games (Norwich beat Stevenage 4-3 in the Carabao Cup) we have shown that we are improving and developing as a team and we want that to continue moving forward.

“I would also like to thank the fans today, they stayed behind us even when we went down and were also great at the end, despite the late goal. It was a great example of a team and the crowd working together.”