Blackburn 0 Manchester 4

4 second half goals were enough to entrench Blackburn further in their own misery, as fans were loud and clear in what they wanted, Steve Kean Out.

Blackburn made a few changes to face the high flying Citizens

Paul Robinson
Lowe, Dann, Samba, Givet
Petrovic, Nzonzi, Gamst
Hoillet, Yakubu, Goodwillie

A 4-3-3 formation often turned into a 4-5-1 with Yakubu playing the lone man up front. It was evident from the outset how play would pan out. Manchester City dominated early possession, moving the ball at will, whilst Blackburn were happy to sit back and counter when possible.

City attempted to break Rovers outwide, however Givet and Lowe were up to the task, aided by Gamst and Hoillet tracking back, it looked like it might be a tough afternoon for Man City. They pressured and continued, but Rovers stood tall.

Blackburn actually created the best chance of the opening stages. Junior Hoillet picked up the ball an scooted past his markers, before slotting in Yakubu. A heavy first touch gave Milner just enough time to pounce before Yakubu took a shot. Chance wasted.

City, for all their possession, failed to create a serious chance until the final stages of the half. Neat interplay down the right flank saw a cross cut in for Balotelli, who evaded Scott Dann, his shot striking the side netting and sending the teams in even at the break. Rovers could hold their head up, they showed no signs of breaking down...

Then the second half came. City found the leaks, cracked them, and broke right through. A corner was headed away by Scott Dann, finding the feet of Adam Johnson, just outside the box. Given all the time in the world, Johnson took a touch, slotted a delighful bender into the top corner of the net. 1-0 City.

Rovers were still picking up their feet when the second came abouts. Nasri, who came on in the first half for the injured Aguero, found space down the left flank, hitting the byline before crossing. Balotelli pounced, poking his foot out and finding the back of the net, 2-0.

Rovers looked flat, uninterested and not up to it. City took full advantage, a deflected Samir Nasri effort followed by poor marking from a corner saw youngster Savic pick up a goal from an open header, giving City a commanding 4-0 victory at Ewood Park....

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