Man City continue drive towards Europa League

Manchester City continued its surge towards a Europa League berth with a reaffirming 3-1 victory over Blackburn. The win, City's third in a row, puts the Citizens one point off the Hammers as they head towards Sunday's derby against Man Utd.

Whether it is the warm winds of spring or the mix finally gelling, Mark Hughes side are showing a well disciplined style with bales of promises. Against Blackburn they struck lightning quick and after securing the three goal lead, raised the sales and cruised to a delightful Saturday afternoon romp. Three minutes before the half-hour mark Felipe Caicedo, who has finally received his chance, continued to sparkle as he turned a loose ball from close-range. Via Elano's poorly cleared corner, Vincent Kompany played the ball on to Nedum Onuoha, whose effort from eight metres fell short only be turned in by the young Ecuadorian striker. Seven minutes later the margin was doubled as City swarmed for the kill resulting in Robinho drive the ball in from fifteen metres after another poorly cleared corner. Culling Blackburn's chances just before the half Elano made it 3-0 from the spot after Gael Givet was adjudged to handling Stephen Ireland pass in the area. After a break it was merely the job of killing off the day and whilst Keith Andrews added a mark for Blackburn six minutes after the hour when he dispatched a rebound of El-Hadji Diouf's saved penalty effort, the match concluded without further incident and City victorious 3-1.