Stoke moved into the top half of the table with a 3-1 win over Blackburn on Saturday afternoon.
Nzonzi should arguably have seen red for the away side after just ten minutes when he was caught swinging an elbow at Stoke's Ryan Shawcross, but no decision was forthcoming.
Stoke took the lead after 28 minutes when Rory Delap was on hand to head home a Jermaine Pennant cross, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The Potters continued to dominate proceedings in the opening half but with no real quality on show from either side.
Rovers nearly levelled just after half time but Yakubu could not convert after good work from Ruben Rochina.
Robert Huth should have then added a second for Stoke after 54 minutes but his header drifted wide of the far post.
The home fans did not have to wait long however as three minutes later Glen Whelan doubled their lead with a deflected effort from the edge of the area.
Peter Crouch added a third for Stoke after 72 minutes when he buried from close range after hapless defending from Blackburn.
Rochina cut the deficit to 3-1 five minutes from time with a fine effort, but the result leaves Blackburn four points from safety after just one league win this season.
Matt Law
