Manchester City produced a burst of three goals in 18 first-half minutes to record their first hat-trick of Premier League wins this season as their 3-1 victory left Blackburn still sweating to avoid the drop.

Felipe Caicedo's scruffy effort was followed by a Brazilian one-two as Robinho drilled home his 15th of the season and in-form Elano stroked home a penalty.

Rovers pulled one back when Keith Andrews slotted home after Shay Given had saved El-Hadji Diouf`s penalty.

The victory keeps City well in the hunt for another bout of European action next season, ensuring not only Liverpool have a vested interest in them returning from Old Trafford with another three points next Sunday.

However, Blues boss Mark Hughes will take no pleasure in the continuing plight of his old club, even though Blackburn's six-point advantage on north-east duo Middlesbrough and Newcastle looks fairly secure.