After defeat at Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce says they need to beat Portsmouth this weekend to be sure of Premiership safety.

"We need to control our own destiny by winning, not rushing to the TV hoping the other teams have slipped up, as we have done," said Allardyce.

"We want to make sure we get three points next week. If we do that it will be in the bag and we won't have to rely on what other people do."

Allardyce was critical of his side's defending, which allowed first Felipe Caicedo, then Robinho to profit.

Elano added a third from the penalty spot, ensuring Keith Andrews' second-half effort was nothing more than minimal consolation.

"We were comfortable for most of the game but we lost two stupid goals," reflected Allardyce.

"The penalty just rubbed salt in the wound and made it an almost impossible task to come back.

"You have to master the simple basics of marking right and clear the ball correctly. Unfortunately we did neither."