Blackburn squad reality underlined as Hyam faces FA review

Norwich City thought they'd snatched all three points against the ten men when Arne Crnac netted on the stroke of 90. But Rovers responded and found a leveller seven minutes later through Andi Weimann.

The match had appeared to be dwindling into a goalless affair but all the main action was packed in the final 15 minutes, kickstarted by an Emmanuel Dennis red card.

The final whistle ensured Ismael heads to Pride Park without tasting defeat on his Rovers debut. Here are the key takeaways from the clash at Ewood Park.

READ MORE: ISMAEL'S VIEW ON CONTROVERSIAL ROVERS DECISIONS

Controversial decisions

There were plenty of decisions for referee Leigh Doughty, who lost control of the match by stoppage time. In truth, I think he got more wrong than he got right, for both teams.

Dom Hyam was incredibly fortunate not to get sent off in the first half. The replay offers little mitigation for what looked like an elbow, or arm, to the face of Angus Gunn. It was very out of character from the Rovers defender and he got away with one.

It would not be a shock if The FA looked at that and he is retrospectively banned. The referee clearly didn't see it and was taking consultation from his linesman throughout. Initially, Doughty thought the aggressor was Tyrhys Dolan.

He then spoke to Hyam but did not card him. If we're being fair, Norwich have every right to feel aggrieved that one went against them.

I felt Dennis was a little unfortunate to be sent off, particularly for the second challenge. The first one was 'orange'. Definite yellow, could have been a red. I think to give a second yellow card for an honest challenge to compete for the ball, making minimal contact with Ben Chrisene, was a harsh call.

Yuki Ohashi should've had a penalty after being brought down on the line of the area. The linesman did, at least, correctly award Weimann's leveller as he was just about in line with the last defender, though it was tight.

A tactical battle on the flanks

Rovers took 15 minutes to work out Norwich's system as they started the better. The Canaries were very well coached between both boxes and had hallmarks of Rovers under Jon Dahl Tomasson with their possession-based style.

They played a narrow 4-3-2-1 with Lewis Dobbin, later Crnac, and Broja Sainz behind Josh Sargent. It meant that the full-backs, particularly Yuri Ribeiro, were dragged inside and the winger pinned back as Norwich pushed their full-backs high and wide.

It caused particular issues down Rovers' left with Augustus Kargbo dragged to play at left-back for much of the opening quarter. Rovers couldn't get enough pressure on the ball with Norwich's three-man midfield spread across the pitch.

As the half wore on, Rovers sussed them out and Kargbo started to cause issues going the other way. Whilst he tired in the second half, and his defensive work(not effort) needs some fine-tuning, he looked the most likely to create an opening.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Norwich on top until 65', when Rovers' changes helped swing the momentum back in their favour. Going into the final 10, they had the ascendency but the red card changed the complexion.

Fighting spirit

Rovers have now scored 12 goals from substitutes this season, which is the third highest in the division. Weimann again made a big impact coming from the bench, which has often been the case.

He'd already flicked one header narrowly wide before showing brilliant movement to find space and equalise. I'm not sure anyone else in the squad would have scored that goal.

When he is acting off pure instinct, I think Weimann is the best finisher at the club. Often, the chances he has missed have been when he's been one-vs-one and had too much time to think.

He is an incredibly valuable member of the squad and now up to nine goals in all competitions. For a free signing, on low wages, he's been a brilliant pick-up.

Carter shines on his return

It was great to see Hayden Carter back out on the pitch after four months out with a knee injury. He's had to be patient, last featuring on October 23.

When fit and at his best, I believe he is Rovers' most sellable asset when you consider his age, profile and the time left on his contract. It's important for Rovers that he's back available for these final 11 games.

Carter is a very aggressive, front-footed defender and that allows Balckburn to play a higher defensive line. He will often go and meet the ball and try to win it higher. He's a good ball carrier too and isn't afraid to maraud up the pitch, as we saw with the half-volley he put over the bar.

At 25, he is entering his best years. He has bulked up and filled out in the last few years and looks in great shape. Rightly, he was named sponsor's Player of the Match.

Strength in depth

Rovers had to leave two members of their first-team group out due to numbers. John Buckley was one due to concussion but Amario Cozier-Duberry was the other, present but not included.

It is another reminder at the options available to Ismael to chop and change in the final run-in. With Danny Batth, Owen Beck and Harry Pickering due back this month, there will be plenty of competition for places.

Weimann's impact was telling and his equaliser could stand important in the final reckoning. It keeps the gap to Norwich at four points, rather than shortening to one.

With so many teams in the pack (five points between fifth and 11th), teams will be taking points from each other throughout. So a point, in those circumstances, is not a disaster, even if they drop out of the play-offs for this weekend.