Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce refused to be downbeat, after seeing his side fall to a 2-0 opening day defeat to Manchester City.

Rovers looked lively in attack, but were picked off by two goals on the break.

"The disappointing thing is we've got nothing out of a game we should've got something of," stated Allardyce.

He did however praise his sides attacking intent, "in terms of making chances and opportunities I couldn't have asked for anymore."

On another day Blackburn could've had 4 or 5 and Allardyce has no doubt what the difference was today.

"We really only have ourselves to blame, or the brilliance of Shay Given."

The former Blackburn keeper kept his old employers at bay on a number of occasions, and the Rovers boss was convinced on another day it would've been a routine victory.

"It would've been a big surprise if we'd have won, but it wouldn't have been a surprise to me. The overall performance was very, very good, the result disappointing."