Negredo 45′, 47′, Džeko 67', '79',
Agüero 73'
Rovers surrender to City's sizzling strike-force
Manchester City's terrifying striking trio of Álvaro Negredo, Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero were all on target on Wednesday night as Blackburn Rovers played the antagonist in yet another Manchester massacre. The returning Agüero took only 49 seconds to score his 20th goal of the season after four weeks on the sidelines. However, the blues failed to commence the game in similarly swift fashion.
A mundane first forty-five, characterised by some outlandish outside-of-the-box efforts from Edin Džeko, replicated the lifelessness in the initial tie at Ewood Park. The blues enjoyed prolonged spells of possession, but failed to meander through the rigid wall of the Rover's back line.
However, the country's leading scorers weren't prepared to soften their approach at the Etihad and delivered a cruel blow to their visitors in the final minute of the first half. Fernandinho's excellent ball was met by the head of Álvaro Negredo who nodded in his 20th goal of the season. The Spaniard is already establishing himself as a fan favourite and at just £16.4m, the word 'bargain' springs to mind.
(Álvaro Negredo opens the scoring for City)
The introduction of Aleksandar Kolarov for Fernandinho at half time provided the hosts with width and the best efforts of Blackburn Rovers to clinch an unlikely equaliser were quashed almost immediately when the Serbian swung in a sublime ball for Negredo to loop in his second of the night. Although the forward will receive the plaudits, the delivery rendered the Spaniard's task relatively straightforward and Kolarov's renaissance under Pellegrini this season has delighted a smug City faithful.
(The Beast exquisitely finishes over Eastwood for his 21st goal of the season)
The Mancunian machine had been awoken and it's hunger for goals was growing. Jesús Navas's travels to the touchline were helping City to spread the play more and the visitors began to slump in surrender. With the intimidating sight of Sergio Agüero warming up on the sidelines, Edin Džeko sensed the perfect opportunity to imprint his name on the game and finished powerful from a Jesús Navas cross in the 67th minute. The goal arguably saved the Bosnian from the substitutes bench, and his Spanish strike partner was summoned off the field of play to make way for a certain Argentinian.
(Not missing out: Džeko gets in on the act)
Sergio Agüero's return to action received a rapturous applause from the home crowd who had witnessed the Argentinian net 19 goals in 20 games so far this season. But the Etihad barely had time to catch its breath as the South-American swiveled and fired in with just his second touch of the game. The 49 second goal marked a perfect reunion between the forward and first-team action and hammered the final nail into Blackburn's coffin.
(A hero's return: Sergio Agüero takes just 49 seconds to score)
But the blues weren't done there, and another pristine Navas-Džeko combination awaited a jubilant City crowd. With just 11 minutes to go, the Bosnian forward tapped in a wicked ball from Navas to net City's 99th goal of the season so far.
(Edin for the 4th round: The Bosnian striker applies the icing on top of the cake)
Yet another emphatic victory at the Etihad Stadium served to solidify Pellegrini's claims that Manchester City could win the quadruple this season. With Sergio Agüero nearing full fitness, the idea begins to seem less contrived and a Blackburn bulldozering once again showcased the mighty muscle of Manuel Pellegrini's minions.
The race is on for City's 100th goal of the season, but who will score it? VOTE HERE! http://poll.pollcode.com/9669424
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 6 - Will be thanking his strikers for his quiet game. Had little to do but when he was called upon, made a fine save.
Micah Richards 6 - Unfortunately, the phrase 'it's great to see him back' has been used far too frequently this season, but I'm going to use it again. A solid performance.
Joleon Lescott 6.5 - Bossed the defence alongside the inexperienced Nastasić. Martialled the line well and denied Blackburn any real sight of Pantillimon's goal.
Matija Nastasić 5.5 - A shaky display from the 20 year old. A number of clumsy tackles and lapses in concentration presented the Rovers with opportunities, and against more potent competitors, his mistakes could have proven costly.
Gaël Clichy 6.5 - A comfortable game for the Frenchman who bombed forward to help City's attack throughout.
Jesús Navas 8 - Delivery was exceptional and his speed terrorised Rovers back line. Assisted both of Džeko's goals.
Fernandinho 7 - Sublime cross for Negredo's goal but was afforded a rest at half time.
Javi García 6.5 - Allowed the players ahead of him to assault the visitors and sweeped up in laboured fashion. Had City's first meaningful shot of the game.
James Milner 6 - You get the feeling he prefers it in the centre of midfield, and when he moved there, he showed his class with an excellent ball for Navas to assist Džeko's first
Álvaro Negredo 8 - Netted a brace to take him to the top of City's goalscoring charts. Looks unable to miss when in front of goal and with Sergio returning, an excellent battle is set to commence.
Edin Džeko 8 - Another two goals has presented Pellegrini with a real conundrum in the wake of Sergio's return. The Bosnian will be extremely difficult to drop.
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 6 - Will be thanking his strikers for his quiet game. Had little to do but when he was called upon, made a fine save. Micah Richards 6 - Unfortunately, the phrase 'it's great to see him back' has been used far too frequently this season, but I'm going to use it again. A solid performance.Joleon Lescott 6.5 - Bossed the defence alongside the inexperienced Nastasić. Martialled the line well and denied Blackburn any real sight of Pantillimon's goal.Matija Nastasić 5.5 - A shaky display from the 20 year old. A number of clumsy tackles and lapses in concentration presented the Rovers with opportunities, and against more potent competitors, his mistakes could have proven costly.Gaël Clichy 6.5 - A comfortable game for the Frenchman who bombed forward to help City's attack throughout. Jesús Navas 8 - Delivery was exceptional and his speed terrorised Rovers back line. Assisted both of Džeko's goals.Fernandinho 7 - Sublime cross for Negredo's goal but was afforded a rest at half time.Javi García 6.5 - Allowed the players ahead of him to assault the visitors and sweeped up in laboured fashion. Had City's first meaningful shot of the game.James Milner 6 - You get the feeling he prefers it in the centre of midfield, and when he moved there, he showed his class with an excellent ball for Navas to assist Džeko's firstÁlvaro Negredo 8 - Netted a brace to take him to the top of City's goalscoring charts. Looks unable to miss when in front of goal and with Sergio returning, an excellent battle is set to commence.Edin Džeko 8 - Another two goals has presented Pellegrini with a real conundrum in the wake of Sergio's return. The Bosnian will be extremely difficult to drop.
Substitutes
Aleksandar Kolarov 7 - Wicked ball for City's second which has been typical of his delivery this season
Sergio Agüero 7 - Took the Argentine just 49 seconds to get back into goalscoring form and his return can only mean more goals for the blues
Emyr Huws 6 - A great fixture to debutise in and he enjoyed his spell with the first team
Match Facts
Possession: Manchester City 63% Blackburn Rovers 37%
Shots: Manchester City 16 Blackburn Rovers 9
Shots on Target: Manchester City 6 Blackburn Rovers 2
Corners: Manchester City 3 Blackburn Rovers 5
Fouls: Manchester City 9 Blackburn Rovers 5
