Dedryck Boyata was sent off as Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Alvaro Negredo put the visitors ahead deep into first-half stoppage time before Scott Dann equalised ten minutes into the second period.

City were below par all afternoon and were lucky not to suffer a shock cup exit as Boyata was given his marching orders for two silly fouls.

Manuel Pellegrini made seven changes to the side that beat Swansea on New Years day, though the quality and strength in depth at his disposal meant that they were able to field a strong side.

It was the hosts that provided much of the attacking intent throughout the opening half, however. Costel Pantilimon had to be on his toes a number of times to race off his line and clear the danger ahead of the chasing Rudy Gestede.

City began to find their feet as the half wore on, though, and had Blackburn who had pressed high and in numbers penned in their own half for the final 10 minutes of the opening period.

It looked as if the two sides would go into the break on level terms until an unmarked Negredo latched onto Edin Dzekos knock-down at the far post, turning the ball past a helpless Paul Robinson.

The home side started the second half in a similarly positive manner to which they started the first, and were justly level after ten minutes.

Tom Cairneys floated corner was met by the towering Gestede, whose header could only be flapped at by Pantilimon. Dann was the quickest to react, poking the ball into an empty net from four yards.

Bowyer introduced Jordan Rhodes and DJ Campbell late on, and though Boyata was shown a second yellow for a silly foul on the latter, the hosts were unable to convert their numerical advantage into a vital win.

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FA Cup - Boyata sees red as City held by Blackburn