Manchester City produced a burst of three goals in 18 first-half minutes as they beat Blackburn 3-1, leaving Rovers still unsure of survival.

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

Caicedo's opener on 27 minutes came from an Elano cross that Rovers failed to clear, and seven minutes later, Robinho curled home a great strike from inside the box following good play from Nigel De Jong.

Referee Mike Dean seemed to have made a routine decision when he awarded a penalty for Gael Givet's handball on 45 minutes.

But Rovers' protests were so fierce, Andre Ooijer, Ryan Nelsen and Vince Grella were all booked. Elano stuck the spot-kick away with ease.

Keith Andrews (66) pulled a goal back after Shay Given had saved El Hadji Diouf's penalty.