Manchester City cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a thumping 5-0 win over Blackburn in their third-round replay on Wednesday night.
The much-changed City side struggled to create chances in the opening 45 minutes, despite seeing a lot of the ball, but finally went ahead in injury time with an Alvaro Negredo header.
In the second half it was complete dominance for City, with Negredo scoring once more, Edin Dzeko bagging a brace of his own and substitute Sergio Aguero scoring 50 seconds into his return.
Match statistics
City
Shots: 16
On target: 6
Possession: 63%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9
Blackburn
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 37%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 5
Was the result fair?
For much of the first half it was looking as though Blackburn might just have been able to pull off an upset, but in the second 45 they were totally blown away. The score is perhaps a little harsh on Blackburn, but there is no doubt that the hosts deserved to go through. They were so clinical in front of goal, with five of their six shots on target going in.
City's performance
More than good enough, even if a little disappointing in the first half. They controlled the possession throughout and finally managed to find a way past a resolute Blackburn defence right at the end of the half. From then on, they remained patient and picked their moments to devastating effect. Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted with how a second-string side performed for large parts of the match.
Blackburn's performance
For most of the first half, Blackburn's doggedness restricted City to very few chances and it was looking more likely that they might be able to nick a goal. The timing of City's opener was very harsh and from that point they were out of the game. At 2-0 down they were forced to come forward, but were then picked off three more times. The scoreline does not reflect their performance, but they were still second-best in all areas.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Alvaro Negredo: This would have gone to Edin Dzeko had his finishing not been so wasteful in the first half and Jesus Navas deserves an honourable mention. However, Negredo was the difference and his goals just before and after half time changed the game in his side's favour. They were his first two chances, as well, which shows how important a clinical finisher is.
Biggest gaffe
It is harsh that any player has to be singled out for this one, as there were not many errors at all. However, Joshua King's miss at 2-0 down has to be it. He headed over from close range with the ball coming off his shoulder, and had it gone in there could well have been a brief swing of momentum. Instead, City hit three more goals.
Referee performance
Craig Pawson did not put a foot wrong. There were no big penalty decisions to make, but he kept the game flowing with as few free kicks as possible and played the advantage rule excellently. On three occasions he allowed play to go on before booking a player for a previous foul. A top performance.
What next?
City: Tonight's hosts will take on Watford in the fourth round, but before that they return to Premier League action at home to Cardiff City on Saturday. They will be looking to make it 17 games unbeaten in all competitions.
Blackburn: Rovers do not have long to lick their wounds and they are also in action on Saturday. They will be looking to renew their playoff charge with a tricky away tie at Nottingham Forest.
