Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko scored a goal apiece as Manchester City recorded a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers this evening.
City began the match in the ascendancy and went close to breaking the deadlock in the second minute. Adam Johnson squared for Balotelli, but the Italian's low shot was turned wide by Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Robinson then denied Johnson from close range, but he was unable to prevent the home side from taking a 30th-minute lead. Aleksandar Kolarov crossed from the left for Balotelli to flick the ball into the net at the near post.
Vincent Kompany would have doubled City's lead before the break, but Robinson deflected his effort into the path of Yaya Toure, who couldn't convert the rebound.
It took the hosts seven minutes after the restart to claim their second goal of the night. Robinson failed to clear David Silva's corner and Silva was on hand to score from six yards out.
The victory was sealed nine minutes from time when Dzeko, who had only be on the pitch 81 seconds, turned in a cross from full-back Kolorov.
City now lead rivals Manchester United by five points at the top of the Premier League table.
Liam Apicella
