City put three past Blackburn

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Felipe Caicedo opened the Blues account 18 minutes before half-time with one of the scrappiest goals of the season.

But Robinho drilled home a second well enough before Elano added a third from the spot - ensuring Keith Andrews' second-half effort had minimal impact.

It was totally in keeping with the contest as a whole that the opener should be one of the scruffiest seen in the Premier League all season. Ryan Nelsen and Andre Ooijer had the chance to clear Elano's cross and failed. Nigel de Jong's response was an uninspiring prod towards Nedum Onuoha, whose shot lacked direction and power.

Caicedo managed to turn onto it but his effort was little better. It was however, enough to deceive a partially unsighted Paul Robinson who could only watch as it rolled into the corner.

Seven minutes later the former England keeper was beaten again. Once more Elano crossed and De Jong ferried the ball on. This time, though, there was a touch of class about Robinho's precise finish.

Next referee Mike Dean made what seemed a fairly routine decision when he awarded a penalty for Gael Givet's handball.

But Rovers' protests were so fierce, Ooijer, Nelsen and Vince Grella were all booked. Not that it had any effect on Elano who tucked home from the spot.

After 66 minutes, Nedum Onuoha`s clumsy attempt at winning the ball inside his own box left an imprint on Morten Gamst Pedersen rather than the ball.

While Shay Given was able to keep out El Hadji-Diouf's penalty, plus his follow-up, substitute Keith Andrews was able to tap home the loose ball with his first touch. Despite their greater enthusiasm, it was all Rovers could muster.